Gas prices hit record high in Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -Fuel costs have hit a brand new report excessive. The typical is as much as $4.45 a gallon within the Bay State and many individuals are asking why.

Western Mass Information heard from these filling up on the pump and spoke with a AAA spokesperson to search out out if shoppers can count on aid on the pump as we enter the summer time months.

“It’s simply stunning I imply gasoline is excessive, heating oil is twice as excessive and there’s no purpose for that,” mentioned Chicopee resident Rick Mulcahy.

The ache on the pump is continuous as summer time begins. In response to AAA, each common unleaded and diesel fuels are on the highest ever recorded common value within the state of Massachusetts.

“Why costs have a tendency to extend in the summertime is as a result of we’ve this surge in demand as a result of it’s summer time driving season and other people go on their street journeys,” AAA spokesperson Mark Shieldrop mentioned.

Shieldrop informed Western Mass Information that plenty of components are contributing to the excessive gasoline costs, together with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is bringing the price of oil to over $100 per barrel. He informed us the change to summer-blend gasoline can be affecting the value on the pump.

“Refineries around the globe take turns, principally shutting down and retooling to provide that summer time mix, which produces much less emissions and that’s actually vital in these summer time months for air high quality causes,” mentioned Shieldrop.

Individuals who spoke with Western Mass Information informed us it’s time for change to be made on the federal stage.

“I want to see them come down, I don’t see how that’s going to occur till we open up all of our oil reserves right here and begin drilling,” mentioned Mulcahy.

The typical price of gasoline in Massachusetts is at the moment sitting at $4.45 per gallon as of Thursday. One week in the past, the common price of gasoline within the Bay State was $4.26 per gallon, a month in the past the common price was $4.09 per gallon. Diesel can be at its all-time excessive of $6.31 a gallon in Massachusetts. We requested Shieldrop what’s inflicting the diesel improve.

“Demand is up, capability is manner down and provide is down and it’s changing into a giant downside around the globe as a result of individuals are scrambling to search out the product they want and it’s briefly provide and that’s placing excessive stress on diesel costs proper now,” he mentioned.

Shieldrop additionally shared suggestions to economize when filling up your automobile Shieldrop additionally shared tips about saving cash when filling up your automobile.

“Simply ease up on the gasoline pedal just a little bit, your driving habits actually has probably the most affect on how a lot gasoline you’re going to devour,” Shieldrop mentioned.

Shieldrop additionally advisable checking your tire stress and to hitch memberships at wholesale golf equipment to save lots of probably the most cash on the pump.

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