Rhode Island Gas Prices Climb 5 Cents In A Week

PROVIDENCE, RI — For the second week in a row, Rhode Island's average gas price climbed five cents from the week before, bringing the current average to $3.48 per gallon.

This week's average price per gallon is 13 cents higher than this time last month, and more than a dollar more than this time last year.

The rising price of crude oil is likely behind the spike, AAA Northeast said, up to about $90 per barrel. In addition, the approach of spring and the waning omicron COVID-19 surge have led to an increase in demand.

"More drivers fueling up here coupled with a persistent tight supply of oil worldwide provides the recipe for higher prices at the pump," said Lloyd Albert, a spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "And unfortunately for consumers, it does not appear that this trend will change anytime soon."

The national average rose by four cents over the past week to $3.48, the same as Rhode Island. Next-door neighbor Massachusetts is one cent higher at $3.49, while Connecticut, as is usually the case, is considerably higher at $3.62.