Massachusetts gas prices increase sharply for second straight week amid cut in oil production concerns

Westwood, MA, April 17, 2023 — The cost for a gallon of gas increased again last week and prices may continue to rise, according to AAA.

After rising 7 cents the week before due to the announcement of a cut in oil production by OPEC, the average gas price in Massachusetts is up 5 cents from last week ($3.34), averaging $3.39 per gallon. Today’s price is 11 cents higher than a month ago ($3.28), and 68 cents lower than April 17, 2022 ($4.07). Massachusetts’ average gas price is 28 cents lower than the national average.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose seven cents since last week to hit $3.67. The main culprit is the high cost of oil, gasoline’s main ingredient, which is hovering in the low $80s per barrel. The national average has risen daily since March 29.

“When the cost of crude oil crosses the $80 a barrel mark, that puts a lot of upward pressure on what we pay at the pump,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, “and as long as oil costs remain at the current level, drivers will likely see incremental price increases for now.”

AAA Northeast’s April 17 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 7 cents higher than last week ($3.60), averaging $3.67 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 22 cents higher than a month ago ($3.45), and is 41 cents lower than this day last year ($4.08).