PROVIDENCE – Almost four years to the day from the last time it occurred, gasoline prices in the Ocean State have fallen below $3 per gallon, according to AAA Southern New England.
The Nov. 17 weekly survey of gasoline prices found that self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.99 per gallon, down 3 cents from last week, and 22 cents lower than a month ago. The current price remains 9 cents higher than the national average for regular unleaded at $2.90, however.
A year ago at this time, Rhode Island’s average price was 42 cents higher at $3.41.
The last time gas prices fell below $3 was on Nov. 15, 2010 – the price then was $2.96 per gallon.
“Since June, the price of crude oil has fallen dramatically, by 35 percent,” Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, said in a statement. “Combine that with strong supplies and lesser demand, and it’s easy to see why prices have dropped. And the indications are that this downward trend will continue.”
Prices range from $2.86 to $3.19. Average per-gallon prices for different grades of self-serve gas ranged from $3.28 for mid-grade unleaded to $3.42 for premium unleaded and $3.56 for diesel.
In Massachusetts, self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.94 per gallon, down 3 cents from last week. Prices locally are 24 cents lower than a month ago, and 4 cents more than the national average for self-serve unleaded. A year ago at this time, the Massachusetts average price was 35 cents higher at $3.29.
Prices in Massachusetts range from $2.76 to $3.33. Average per-gallon prices for different grades of self-serve gas ranged from $3.21 for mid-grade unleaded to $3.35 for premium unleaded and $3.51 for diesel.
AAA offered the following tip: As temperatures drop, so does air pressure in tires. To maximize fuel economy, check and adjust tire pressure once per month.