The gasoline price in Massachusetts jumped 6 cents this week to an average of $2.86 per gallon of regular unleaded on Monday, according to the travel association AAA Northeast.
The increase comes after a cybersecurity attack shut down the Colonial Pipeline running from the Gulf Coast to New York, which is responsible for providing approximately 45% of fuel to the East Coast.
“This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices, but the impact will vary regionally. Areas including Mississippi, Tennessee and the east coast from Georgia into Delaware are most likely to experience limited fuel availability and price increases, as early as this week,” said Mary Maguire, AAA northeast director of public and government affairs. “These states may see prices increase three to seven cents this week.”
There is currently no estimate on when the gasoline line will be operational. Foreign imports and alternative pipelines can supply the Northeast temporarily, although a longer shutdown may generate a larger impact on the East Coast.
The May 10 survey by AAA Northeast said the current national average is $2.96 a gallon, 6 cents higher than last week ($2.90) and $1.12 higher than this day last year ($1.84). Gas prices in Massachusetts are currently 10 cents lower than the national average.
