Gas prices rise in R.I., Mass. to levels last seen in early fall

RHODE ISLAND'S gasoline prices jumped 7 cents this week, according to AAA Northeast. Prices rose 5 cents in Massachusetts. / BLOOMERG FILE PHOTO/PAUL THOMAS
RHODE ISLAND'S gasoline prices jumped 7 cents this week, according to AAA Northeast. Prices rose 5 cents in Massachusetts. / BLOOMERG FILE PHOTO/PAUL THOMAS

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island gasoline prices rose 7 cents from last week, marking the highest prices since early last fall, AAA Northeast said Monday.
This was the first increase in two weeks in the Ocean State.
Self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $2.23 per gallon, 7 cents more than last week and 18 cents more than a month ago. Rhode Island’s price equals the national average for regular unleaded of $2.23. A year ago at this time, the average price in Rhode Island was 38 cents higher at $2.61.
“Relatively cheap gas prices are boosting driving demand, and 2016 remains poised to be a very strong year for both gasoline consumption and annual miles traveled,” John Paul, AAA Northeast senior manager of traffic safety, said in a statement. “As we move toward the summer driving season all eyes will focus on whether refiners can keep pace with the higher demand, and what impact that capability will have on prices at the pump.”
Prices range from $2.15 to $2.29 for regular unleaded, with midgrade unleaded at $2.48; premium unleaded at $2.65 and diesel at $2.27.
In Massachusetts, gasoline prices increased 5 cents from last week, continuing a nine-week streak of higher prices. Like in Rhode Island, prices were last seen at these levels in early fall, AAA Northeast said.
Self-serve, regular unleaded is averaging $2.18 per gallon in Massachusetts, 19 cents more than a month ago. The Massachusetts price is 5 cents below the national average for regular unleaded. A year ago at this time, the average price in Massachusetts was 43 cents higher at $2.61.
Bay state gas prices range from $1.99 to $2.49 for regular unleaded, with midgrade unleaded at $2.42; premium unleaded, $2.58; and diesel, $2.24.

No posts to display