AUGUSTA — A state survey shows heating oil prices have risen 7 cents per gallon over the past week in Maine.

The Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security said today that the average price in its weekly survey is $3.86 per gallon.

Director Ken Fletcher called for a debate into the “potential role of speculation in the oil markets.” He said there may be valid supply and demand reasons for the price increase, but he noted that many analysts believe speculators are driving prices higher at a time of sluggish demand and adequate global supplies.

As always, heating oil prices varied across the state, ranging from a high of $4.17 in central Maine to a low of $3.62 in southwestern Maine.