Massachusetts gas prices drop for 12th consecutive week according to AAA, but move by OPEC+ may halt slide

Westwood, MA, September 6, 2022 — According to AAA, the average gas price in Massachusetts is down 13 cents from last week ($4.04), averaging $3.91 per gallon. The state’s average hasn’t been below $4 a gallon since February of this year. Today’s price is 48 cents lower than a month ago ($4.39), and 83 cents higher than September 6, 2021 ($3.08). Massachusetts’ average gas price is 14 cents higher than the national average.

Lower oil prices, modest domestic gasoline demand, and a quiet hurricane season are combining to drive pump prices lower. The national average for a gallon of gas fell seven cents in the past week to $3.77.

“According to weather analysts, it’s the first time in 25 years that a named Atlantic storm did not develop in August. That’s the good news,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “But we still have another month of peak hurricane season, and these storms can affect gas prices by disrupting oil production and refining.”

AAA Northeast’s September 6 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 7 cents lower than last week ($3.84), averaging $3.77 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 31 cents lower than a month ago ($4.08), and 59 cents higher than this day last year ($3.18).

With OPEC+ agreeing this week to reduce production by 100,000 barrels a day beginning next month, it is unclear if the price of gas will continue to drop.