Gas Prices At Historic Highs Ahead Of Thanksgiving Travel In RI

PROVIDENCE, RI — If you're headed out for a Thanksgiving road trip, expect some pain at the pump.

After a steep rise for several weeks, the rise in gas prices has leveled off slightly in Rhode Island. As of Nov. 15, the average price per gallon was $3.41, a seven-year-high.

This time last year, Rhode Island's average gas price was $2.08, $1.33 less.

Related: 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

The steep increases were prompted by high demand for crude oil, combined with low supply in October. The sudden spike was likely slowed by the end of Daylight Saving Time, since the early sunsets prompt many people to just head home after work instead of running errands or going out. This can slow demand, according to AAA Northeast.

If you're headed out west this holiday, expect the greatest pinch at the pump. As of Nov. 17, gas prices were as much as $4.69 in California, $3.98 in Nevada, $3.87 in Washington state and $3.78 in Oregon.

Meanwhile, Southern states including Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kentucky are enjoying the nation’s lowest gas prices, ranging from $2.99 to $3.18 per gallon.

Destinations vary this Thanksgiving, but AAA says the top five destinations this year are Orlando, Anaheim, Dallas, Phoenix and Hawaii.