Gas Prices up Again for Fourth Week in a Row

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Hamilton, MA - If you thought you were paying more at the pump over the weekend, there's a reason. For the fourth week in a row gas prices in Massachusetts have risen, this week by 10 cents, bringing prices back to early January levels.

On Monday AAA Northeast released its latest survey or prices in the state which fund self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $1.96 per gallon, a 10 cent increase over last week and 28 cents higher than a month ago.

The previous high for 2016 was also $1.96, back on January 4, according to AAA Northeast's survey.

The current Massachusetts price is eight cents below the national average for regular unleaded of $2.04. One year ago at this time, the average price in Massachusetts was 36 cents higher at $2.32.

“Rebounding crude oil prices, seasonal increases in fuel demand and reduced production due to refinery maintenance continue to be major factors in higher pump prices,” said Mary Maguire, AAA's director of public and legislative affairs in a statement issued Monday.

The lowest price in Hamilton is at Citgo on Bay Road for $1.89 per gallon. Find the lowest gas price in town at gasbuddy.com.

Here's a look at today's local gas prices and their ranges for self-serve grade, according to AAA Northeast:

• $1.96 ($1.83-$2.29) Regular Unleaded
• $2.22 ($1.99-$2.69) Midgrade Unleaded
• $2.39 ($2.09-$3.09) Premium Unleaded
• $2.15 ($1.89-$2.39) Diesel