Traffic & Transit
Rhode Island Gas Prices Continue To Climb
The sharp upward trend in prices is expected to continue for at least a month.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's gas prices continued to spike in the previous week, going up by nearly a dime on average. The average price per gallon is now a full quarter higher than it was a month ago.
Over the past week, Rhode Island's average price per gallon rose by nine cents from $2.55 to $2.64 per gallon. Just one month ago, the average price was 25 cents cheaper at $2.39. This time last year, the average price was 18 cents lower at $2.46.
The sudden, sharp increase was attributed to the devastating winter storm that crippled Texas in February. According to AAA Northeast, 26 refineries went offline.
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The company expects the price to continue to increase over the coming month, rising to a national average of $2.80 by the end of March. Despite Rhode Island's climbing prices, the state average price is eight cents lower than the national average.
"Barring hurricane season, March may bring the most expensive pump prices of 2021," said Lloyd Alberta spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "While the month is roaring in like a lion, by the end of it we could see some relief at the pump as refineries resume normal operations, especially if crude oil prices show signs of stability."
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