Gas prices continue to rise in Massachusetts

Gas prices in the Bay State continue to rise as the cost of fuel increases during winter months.
Self-serve regular gas prices last week were at $3.09, which is 37 cents higher than last year, according to AAA Southern New England’s weekly survey.
Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst and blogger at GasBuddy.com, said gas prices are rising in Massachusetts.
“Gas prices are up by 10 cents, and are slowing businesses down,” DeHaan said. “Higher costs for delivery services and petroleum are being passed on to customers, and if not, are resulting in fewer profits for companies. Companies have a lesser ability to absorb costs.”
Concerning gas price trends, Massachusetts will continue to experience higher gas prices in the coming months, DeHaan said.
“From January to February, the average price will be around $3 to $3.20, but from March to May, prices will rise to $3.35 to $3.75, peaking close to Memorial Day,” he said.
Students said that high gas prices have affected their decisions on whether or not to use cars while on campus.
“That’s why I don’t have a car here, because gas prices are so high,” said Wafaa Abbasi, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students who have cars say they are feeling the effect of the rising prices.
“I try to cut down on the distance I travel and only drive for essential needs,” said Nida Shuttari, a senior in CAS. “So usually when I drive, I try to accomplish two to three tasks at once so I don’t waste gas money.” Some students have relied on car-pooling for transportation around the city.
“I car pool with friends when we go places, but otherwise driving is often a necessity,” said Christina Itabashi, a CAS sophomore.
DeeHan offered advice to drivers who wish to save money on gas in the coming months.
“People who drive for a living should drive more defensively as by slowing down gas goes further because of gas fuel economy,” DeeHan said.