PROVIDENCE – The historic surge in gas prices has paused for the moment.
The average price of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts remained the same as last week, AAA Northeast said on Tuesday.
Everyone needs science. Science needs everyone.
The Amgen Foundation is guided by the belief that all students should have the opportunity…
Learn More
In Rhode Island, the average gas price remained at $4.71 per gallon, 9 cents more than the national average.
The agency said a dip in gasoline demand provided drivers with a bit of stability at the pump, as the national average for a gallon rose less than three cents over the past week to reach $4.62. But warns this respite could be brief. Crude oil has moved above $115 a barrel due to fears of further global supply constraints caused by a European Union ban on Russian oil exports. And domestic gas demand may again start to climb as drivers fuel up for the three-month-long summer travel season, which began this past weekend.
“So far, the pent-up urge to travel caused by the pandemic outweighs high pump prices for many consumers,” said Lloyd Albert, senior vice president of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast. “But 67% of drivers recently surveyed told us they would change their driving habits if gas hit $4.50 a gallon. That number rises to 75% at $5 a gallon. If pump prices keep rising, will people alter their summer travel plans? That remains to be seen.”
One year ago, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island was $2.94 per gallon.
Midgrade gas in Rhode Island averaged $5.11 per gallon Tuesday.
Premium gas averaged $5.38 per gallon.
Diesel fuel averaged $6.32 per gallon.
In Massachusetts, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $4.73 per gallon, an increase from $2.91 a gallon year over year.
Midgrade gas in Massachusetts averaged $5.06 per gallon Tuesday.
Premium gas averaged $5.33 per gallon.
Diesel fuel averaged $6.25 per gallon.
