AAA: Average Rhode Island gas price stuck in neutral | Charlestown

Locally, the average gas price in Rhode Island is unchanged from last week ($3), averaging $3 per gallon. Today’s price is 6 cents higher than a month ago ($2.94) and 10 cents lower than a year ago ($3.10). Rhode Island’s average gas price is 13 cents lower than the national average. 

“Petroleum markets are in the midst of the winter doldrums as Americans drive less than any other time of year,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Production has held steady all winter, which is keeping supplies up and prices down – for now.”

While supply and demand help keep prices in check in the snowy Northeast, early signs of spring are popping up in petroleum markets. Mere weeks remain before U.S. refiners begin to transition to production of summer-blended fuel, which is more expensive to produce than the gasoline served to motorists in the winter. The higher costs are beginning to appear in futures markets, with prices for March delivery of gasoline climbing last week by about 2.5%.

AAA Northeast’s Feb. 10 survey of fuel prices found the current national average up 4 cents from last week ($3.09), averaging $3.13 gallon. Today’s national average price is 7 cents higher than a month ago ($3.06) and 5 cents lower than this day last year ($3.18).