Rhode Island's Average Gas Price Spikes 5 Cents In A Week

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's gas prices continue to creep up, rising an average of five cents per gallon in just the past week.

The average price for regular, unleaded gas in the state is now $2.88 per gallon, up from $2.83 the week before. That's 11 cents higher than this time last month, and 95 cents higher than the May 10 average in 2020 of $1.93 per gallon.

AAA Northeast attributed this past week's spike to a shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which carries nearly half of all fuel to the East Coast. The pipeline was hit by a cybersecurity attack, and was shut down as a precaution. The pipeline runs from Texas to New York Harbor. While some lateral lines reopened, it's not clear when the mainline will reopen.

"This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices, but the impact will vary regionally," said Lloyd Albert, a spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "Areas including Mississippi, Tennessee and the east coast from Georgia into Delaware are most likely to experience limited fuel availability and price increases, as early as this week. These states may see prices increase three to seven cents this week."

More price hikes in the Northeast are expected the longer the pipeline remains offline, AAA said.

Nationwide, the average price of a gallon of gas went up six cents over the past week to $2.96.