Rising Global Tensions Means More Pain At The Gas Pump In RI

PROVIDENCE, RI — Prices continue to be bleak at Rhode Island gas pumps, with the average rising six cents over the past week, bringing it over $3.50 per gallon. The current average of $3.54 is 99 cents higher than this time last year.

AAA Northeast attributed the quickly climbing prices to ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, along with higher demand as the omicron coronavirus surge wanes.

"[These factors] are combining to keep oil prices high, which translates into pain at the pump," said Lloyd Albert, a spokesperson for the company.

Massachusetts' current average is also $3.54, while Connecticut is 12 cents higher at $3.66. This time last month, Rhode Island's average gas price per gallon was 19 cents lower at $3.35.