Melrose Gas Prices Pass $4 As Spike Continues: Here's Where To Buy

MELROSE, MA — Soaring oil prices mean more pain at the pump for Massachusetts residents, with the average gas price already nearing the $4 mark across the state.

As of Friday, average gas prices in Massachusetts were $3.86, which is nearly 3 cents above the national average. In Boston that number was at $3.88, while in Middlesex County they were at $3.87.

The average cost of a gallon of gas in Massachusetts Friday was 14 cents higher than it was Thursday, 27 cents higher than last week, 45 cents higher than last month and a whopping $1.20 higher than this time last year.

The increases are especially sharp considering that the average gas price in Illinois was just $2.89 a year ago. The average price in the Chicago metro area this time last year was $2.97.

But you can still save a little bit if you know where to look in Melrose.

According to GasBuddy, the cheapest gas in Melrose was selling for $3.75 per gallon at Vasco Petroleum on Main Street, but that report came Thursday. Here are some other places you can save in and around Melrose with Friday prices:

• Mobil, Main Street, $3.79 per gallon
• Gulf, Upham Street, $3.84 per gallon
• Shell, Main Street, $3.99 per gallon
• Citgo, Main Street, $4.09 per gallon

The recent climb in pump prices primarily is attributable to the high cost of crude oil, according to AAA. Moderating winter weather and optimism over a possible decline in COVID-19 cases have led to an increase in gas demand.

"More drivers fueling up here coupled with a persistent tight supply of oil worldwide provides the recipe for higher prices at the pump," AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a news release. "And unfortunately for consumers, it does not appear that this trend will change anytime soon."
At a news conference last week, GasBuddy representatives said gas prices could go up by as much as 50 cents in the coming months.

Eric Heyl, Patch Staff, contributed to this article