The bitter cold that has held an icy grip on the region for several weeks has caused myriad impacts across petroleum markets, including gasoline demand, which typically drops during a cold snap as drivers avoid dangerous road conditions and nonessential driving. Total domestic demand for gasoline fell 600,000 barrels a day week-over-week to 8.15 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). While significantly lower than the prior week, the figure is within the typical range for the season. In comparison, the equivalent week last year saw 8.32 million barrels a day of demand.
The drop in demand aided gasoline inventories, which climbed in the Northeast by 2.4 million barrels to reach 66.8 million barrels. Supplies now stand 1.3 million barrels above last year’s levels and 2.3 million barrels higher than the five-year average of 64.5 million barrels.
The weaker demand and growing inventories helped keep prices from moving at the pump despite cold-related production impacts across the country. Domestic oil production declined by 481,000 barrels a day last week, the EIA reported, due in large part to freezing temperatures hampering oil field infrastructure. Gasoline production was also affected: Refiners manufactured 8.44 million barrels a day last week — a sharp drop from the 9.26 million barrels a day produced a week earlier.
“As Americans hunker down at home to avoid the cold, demand for gasoline remains weak, which is helping to keep pump prices in check,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast.
AAA’s Feb. 9 survey of fuel prices found the national average up 3 cents from last week ($2.87), averaging $2.90 per gallon. The Feb. 9 national average price was 10 cents higher than a month ago ($2.80) and 23 cents lower than this day last year ($3.13).
| Region | Current Price* | One Week Ago | One Month Ago | One Year Ago |
| Connecticut | $2.89 | $2.87 | $2.89 | $3.08 |
| New Jersey | $2.86 | $2.86 | $2.79 | $3.04 |
| New York | $2.98 | $2.98 | $3 | $3.17 |
| Massachusetts | $2.90 | $2.90 | $2.92 | $3.03 |
| Rhode Island | $2.86 | $2.86 | $2.84 | $3 |
*Prices as of Feb. 9, 2026
As of Feb. 9, Oklahoma and Arkansas had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.32 and $2.44, respectively. California and Hawaii held the highest prices in the nation at $4.47 and $4.40, respectively.
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.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
