Gas Prices Hit Highest Price Point This Year

By Liz Taurasi

Massachusetts gasoline prices are up 12 cents from last week and are at the highest point so far this year, according to AAA Northeast.

In its April 20 survey of gas prices in Massachusetts, AAA found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.46 per gallon, up 12 cents from last week. Prices locally are 14 cents higher than a month ago. The current price is the same as the national average for self serve unleaded of $2.46. A year ago at this time the Massachusetts average price was $1.14 higher at $3.60.

“Hikes in the price of crude oil over the past week are driving this latest surge at the pump,” said Mary Maguire, director of public and legislative affairs for AAA Northeast. “We also saw rising prices at this time last year, with the switch over to summer blends of gasoline and the added cost of refining those blends.”

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 32 cents, from a low of $2.24 to a high of $2.56. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up — every trip, every time.

Today’s local gas prices and their ranges are as follows (self serve):

• Regular Unleaded - $2.469 ($2.249-$2.569)
• Mid Grade Unleaded - $2.629 ($2.299-$2.999)
• Premium Unleaded - $2.789 ($2.599-$3.199)
• Diesel - $3.029 ($2.799-$3.599)

Drivers can find the most up-to-date local gas prices with the AAA Fuel Finder by logging onto AAA.com and clicking on Gas Saving Tips & Tools.

Using Patch’s gas price widget (below), you can find the lowest gas prices – both when you leave your house and along the way to wherever you’re going.