Massachusetts gas prices drop for 15th consecutive week according to AAA; Ian could impact production

Westwood, MA, September 26, 2022 — According to AAA, the average gas price in Massachusetts is down 11 cents from last week ($3.68), averaging $3.57 per gallon. Today’s price is 53 cents lower than a month ago ($4.10), and 58 cents higher than September 26, 2021 ($3.10). Massachusetts’ average gas price is 15 cents lower than the national average.

While prices locally continue to fall, some parts of the country are seeing increases. Low domestic demand as fewer drivers fuel up and much lower oil prices have helped to blunt some of the impact. On Friday, the price of oil slipped below $80 a barrel for the first time since January, primarily due to fears of a recession-led global economic slowdown.

“Slack demand and lower oil prices should take some pressure off rising gas prices,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “But Hurricane Ian could cause problems, depending on the storm’s track, by disrupting oil production in the Gulf of Mexico and impacting large coastal refineries.”

AAA Northeast’s September 26 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 5 cents higher than last week ($3.67), averaging $3.72 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 14 cents lower than a month ago ($3.86), and 54 cents higher than this day last year ($3.18).