MA Feels The Pinch At The Pump Amid Winter Catastrophe In Texas

BOSTON, MA — The unprecedented winter weather crisis in Texas has left millions of residents without electricity, water or heat amid almost-unheard of freezing temperatures, snow and ice. This has directly impacted all oil refineries along the Gulf Coast, causing a spike in gas prices nationwide, including in New England.

Here in Massachusetts, the average gas price for regular, unleaded gas spiked by seven cents in just four days to bring the average to $2.54 per gallon. Neighboring Rhode Island saw a similar jump, rising by six cents to $2.52.

"The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact," said Lloyd Albert, a spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "Refineries come offline, and until damage — if any — is assessed and operations are back up and running, supply is tight, especially with road conditions and power outages, mostly in Texas, reducing fuel deliveries – if stations even have power to accept them."

The national average increased even more than southern New England's, increasing by 10 cents to $2.60.

"Until things thaw out and Gulf Coast refineries are running again — likely early next week — we do expect more expensive pump prices across the country," Lloyd said.