Mass. Gas Prices at Lowest Point Since 2004

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts are down four cents from last week, the sixth straight week of decreases, according to AAA Northeast, making them the lowest they’ve been since 2004.

AAA’s August 17th survey of prices in Massachusetts found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.48 per gallon, down four cents from last week. Prices locally are 18 cents less than a month ago. The current price is 19 cents less than the national average for self-serve unleaded of $2.67. A year ago at this time the Massachusetts average price was 99 cents higher at $3.47.

“You have to go all the way back to 2004 to find prices this low in the middle of August,” said Mary Maguire, Director of public and legislative affairs for AAA Northeast. “Continued economic woes in the Far East, plus a global crude oil oversupply, are sending oil prices to new daily lows, translating into lower pump prices for motorists.”

The lowest price in Jamaica Plain is at Hatoff’s which has gas at $2.34 per gallon. Find the lowest in your area at gasbuddy.com.

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 80 cents, from a low of $2.25 to a high of $3.05. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up — every trip, every time.

Today’s local gas prices and their ranges are as follows (self serve):

• Regular Unleaded: $2.489 ($2.259-$3.059)
• Midgrade Unleaded: $2.769 ($2.419-$3.299)
• Premium Unleaded: $2.959 ($2.679-$3.499)
• Diesel: $2.819 ($2.599-$3.699)

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)