Gas Prices up Again for Third Week in a Row

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Hamilton, MA - If you thought you were paying more for gas over the past couple weeks you are right and it doesn't look like prices are going down anytime soon.

While residents are still paying far less than they did for gas this time last year, gas prices in Massachusetts are up another 7 cents this week, increasing for the third week in a row, according to AAA Northeast

AAA’s March 21 survey of prices in Massachusetts finds self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $1.86 per gallon, 7 cents higher than last week. In the past two weeks prices have jumped 16 cents.

As of Monday, March 21, the Massachusetts price is 12 cents below the national average for regular unleaded of $1.98. A year ago, the average price in Massachusetts was 46 cents higher at $2.32.

“The price of oil has been flirting with $40 per barrel, and last week was the fifth straight week of oil price increases,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Legislative Affairs in a statement issued Monday. “Prices typically move higher at this time of year as gasoline demand begins to increase and refineries conduct seasonal maintenance. Those factors, along with oil price increases, are driving this latest round of higher pump prices.”

The lowest price in Hamilton was at Citgo on Bay Road for $1.79 per gallon. Find the lowest in your area at gasbuddy.com.

Today’s local gas prices and their ranges are as follows according to AAA Northeast (self serve grade):

• Regular Unleaded: $1.86 ($1.73-$2.09)

• Midgrade Unleaded: $2.11 ($1.97-$2.39)

• Premium Unleaded: $2.32 ($2.05-$2.79)

• Diesel: $2.11 ($1.99-$2.29)