PROVIDENCE – Gasoline prices rose for the second consecutive week in Rhode Island, jumping nine cents to $3.69 per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded this week, AAA Southern New England announced Monday.
The organization attributed the increase to a higher volume of driving during the summer as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which together have pushed the price of a barrel of oil past $100.
Rhode Island pump prices are nine cents higher than they were a month ago and 14 cents higher year-to-year, according to the group’s weekly survey of local gas prices. They are also seven cents higher than the current national average, $3.62.
For unleaded regular, Rhode Island prices range from $3.54 to $3.86, a 32-cent span.
Other average self-serve prices in the state are $3.87 per gallon for midgrade unleaded, $3.99 per gallon for premium unleaded and $3.92 per gallon for diesel.
In Massachusetts, the rise was even steeper. Average pump prices for self-serve, regular unleaded are $3.63 per gallon, 14 cents higher than last week and 12 cents higher than a month ago. Statewide, the range of prices stretches 37 cents from $3.49 to $3.86.
Year to year, prices have risen 15 cents in the state. Massachusetts gas prices are now one cent higher than the national average.
Other average per-gallon prices in Massachusetts are $3.72 for midgrade unleaded, $3.91 for premium unleaded and $3.89 for diesel.
Prices in both states could continue to rise if current conditions continue, AAA warned.
