Gas Prices On the Rise, Up 11 Cents This Week

By Liz Taurasi (Patch Staff)

With three straight weeks of snow and school cancellations, drivers may have not yet noticed but gas prices are on the rise.

Increases in the cost of crude oil over the last two weeks have led to a corresponding increase at the pump, as gasoline prices in Massachusetts are up 11 cents from last week, according to AAA Northeast. This is the first weekly increase in gas prices locally since early last September.

AAA’s Feb. 9 survey of prices in Massachusetts found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.17 per gallon, up 11 cents from last week. Prices locally are eight cents lower than a month ago. The current price is a penny lower than the national average for self serve unleaded of $2.18. A year ago at this time the Massachusetts average price was $1.19 higher at $3.36.

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 50 cents, from a low of $1.99 to a high of $2.49. 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.

Here are Monday’s local gas prices and their ranges:

• Self Serve, Regular Unleaded: $2.179 ($1.999-$2.499)
• Self Serve, Midgrade Unleaded: $2.399 ($2.159-$2.989)
• Self Serve, Premium Unleaded: $2.529 ($2.259-$3.199)
• Self Serve, Diesel: $2.849 ($2.479-$3.299)

Consumers 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. AAA members can also obtain a copy of the Gas Watcher’s Guide at their local AAA Northeast office.