July 4 Travel: Here's Where MA Gas Prices Stand

MASSACHUSETTS — Last summer, gas prices skyrocketed as travelers rushed back following the easing of pandemic restrictions. Boston drivers were paying nearly $5 per gallon.

The news is better this year: the average price for regular gas across Massachusetts is $3.55 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. This represents a slight increase from last month, when average gas prices were $3.52 per gallon.

Barnstable-Yarmouth has the highest current average of $3.62 per gallon. Springfield has the lowest prices in the state at $3.46 a gallon.

Last year, gas prices increased steadily from March into the summer following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Other factors also weighed into the spike, as crude oil was trading at $118 a barrel, 71 percent increase over the previous year. The pandemic also burdened refineries trying to keep up with demand as more people returned to the office.

AAA recorded the highest statewide average of $5.05 per gallon June 12, 2022.

But this year lackluster demand and low oil costs are keeping gas prices relatively stable, according to AAA.

“We may be in a bit of a demand lull heading into the July Fourth holiday,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Drivers are benefitting financially, with 20 gallons of gas costing nearly $30 less than last year. And with the cost for oil low, drivers will find pump prices that are flat or drifting slightly lower for now.”

While Massachusetts had higher prices than most of the country last year, that isn't the case anymore. The state's average prices are the same as those nationally.

See related: Massachusetts Gas Prices Soar Past National Average