gas price neutral

Northeast Gasoline Prices Stay Parked 

Last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand dipped to 8.08 million barrels a day — the lowest level in a year — as millions of Americans endured snow and bitter cold, particularly across the south.  

Another factor easing pressure on gas prices is lower oil costs. The price for a barrel of crude fell between $3 and $4 last week, reversing a monthlong trend of increasing crude prices. Petroleum markets are pricing on expectations that the new administration will push for increased crude production around the world. 

As demand cools, so does gasoline production. The EIA last week reported a sizable drop in domestic refinery utilization — a measure of how much refining capacity is being used — from 91.6% to 85.9%. Market observers believe the lower utilization rate is a sign that winter maintenance is underway at several facilities. While less refining activity can support higher gas prices in general, the short-term impact is unlikely to be significant thanks to ample supply. Nationwide, gasoline stocks climbed 2.3 million barrels last week to 245.8 million barrels. That’s just 1.5 million barrels below the five-year average. 

“Historically, pump prices are lower in the depths of winter as people drive less,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “What’s unusual is for the snow and cold to have such an impact on demand in southern states.” 

AAA Northeast’s Jan. 27 survey of fuel prices found the current national average unchanged from last week, averaging $3.12 gallon. Today’s national average price is 9 cents higher than a month ago ($3.03) and 2 cents higher than this day last year ($3.10). 

Region Current Price* One Week Ago One Month Ago One Year Ago 
New York State $3.17 $3.16 $3.12 $3.26 
Utica, N.Y. $3.30 $3.30 $3.30 $3.26 
Connecticut $3.09 $3.08 $3.02 $3.17 
Massachusetts $3.03 $3.02 $3.02 $3.12 
Rhode Island $3 $2.98 $2.94 $3.03 

*Prices as of Jan. 27, 2025 

As of Jan. 27, Oklahoma and Mississippi have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.67. Hawaii and California hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.54 and $4.45, respectively. New York holds the 13th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. 

The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel-price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.  

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