After weeks of steadily falling to just above $2 per gallon, the average retail price for a gallon of gasoline rose another 9 cents in Central Massachusetts last week, to $2.34, according to GasBuddy.com’s daily survey of 263 gas outlets in Worcester.
The average price in Worcester has now risen close to 30 cents over the last month, yet it’s nearly $1.17 lower than in March 2014, GasBuddy said.
Nationally, the average price rose 12 cents last week to $2.42 and has now risen 37.4 cents over the last month. But it’s down nearly $1.04 over the last year.
Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst, said refinery problems have pushed up wholesale prices significantly. He cited an explosion at a California refinery, unexpected cold-related shutdowns along the East Coast and Great Lakes, and maintenance that’s beginning at other refineries across the country among reasons for this week’s price jump.
