Massachusetts Gas Prices Hit $4 Per Gallon for First Time Since 2022

Massachusetts' average gas price recently climbed to approximately $4.03 on Sunday, April 26, and $4.05 on Monday, April 27. It marks the first time the state has hit $4 per gallon since 2022.

According to AAA, Massachusetts' average gas price remains below the national average, which stood at approximately $4.11 on Monday.

This cost increase comes after Massachusetts had not seen prices exceed $4 per gallon since September 2022. A state record high of $5.05 per gallon was recorded in June 2022, according to AAA data.

AAA Northeast spokesperson Jillian Young told CBS News Boston WBZ-TV that fuel costs are heavily influenced by oil prices, which account for more than half of the price at the pump. "With refineries selling the more expensive summer-blend gasoline and the busiest driving season ahead of us, those factors may contribute to additional upward pressure on gas prices," she added.

Contributing factors behind higher pump prices include rising oil prices tied to stalled U.S.-Iran peace prospects, ongoing Strait of Hormuz shipping restrictions, the transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline, and the approaching peak summer driving season.

Throughout New England, drivers said they are feeling the pain at the pump.

"I live in Rhode Island, so driving home for the weekends is going to make it harder, so I might not make as many trips home because of it," Matt Belcher of South Boston told WBZ.

WBZ noted that while there is talk in Massachusetts about pausing the gas tax during price surges, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has not weighed in on the matter. All of her Republican gubernatorial candidates, however, support a pause on the tax.