Rhode Island’s average gas price is up five cents from last week, averaging $2.17 per gallon. Monday’s price is 10 cents higher than a month ago and 35 cents cheaper than December 21, 2019. Rhode Island’s average gas price is 5 cents lower than the national average.

Two factors have contributed to driving up the price at the pump: rising crude oil prices and tightening supply. The domestic price of crude has been steadily rising since November. Oil prices have not been this expensive since February, before stay-at-home guidance was introduced across the country. Prices began to rise last month alongside vaccination news and have only increased with it becoming available.  

“The recent gas price pump jumps are a bit surprising given December demand numbers are the lowest posted for the month since 1999,” said Lloyd Albert, Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “The increases are likely to be short-lived, especially as holiday road travel is expected to see at least a 25% decline.” 

AAA Northeast’s December 21 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be six cents higher than last week, averaging $2.22 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 11 cents higher than a month ago, and 33 cents cheaper than this day last year.