1.   Oil heats a far larger percentage of homes in the Northeast than elsewhere in the country.

2.   Some oil industry representatives have blamed the rising prices on an unusually cold winter that required more oil to heat homes.

3.   The fixed-price contracts for oil primarily affect homeowners in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states, where more than three-quarters of all houses are heated by oil.

4.   While oil is heating, lightly dust each portion of skate with flour, patting off any excess.

5.   While the oil is heating, lay out paper toweling on a work surface.

6.   While the oil is heating, prepare the round steaks by dredging them in the flour spice, taking care to coat the meat evenly.