Massachusetts Shatters Records With Gas and Diesel Prices

Massachusetts gas prices were up 18 cents per gallon on average on Monday over Monday last week. Gas and diesel prices are at all-time highs as the market continues to decline, food prices rise and spirits tank among folks on the SouthCoast.

AAA Northeast says a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline sold for $4.393 on average, up from $4.213 a week ago. A gallon of diesel was $6.271, up from $5.895 last week.

Bristol County had the lowest priced gas last week but has moved up to second from the bottom. The least expensive gas now is in Hampden and Berkshire Counties. The highest gas prices are in Dukes, Nantucket, and Norfolk Counties.

A gentleman called my program on Monday to say his home heating oil dealer quoted him a price of $5.56 per gallon to fill his tank. It would cost more than $1,000 to fill up a 200-gallon oil tank at $5.56 per gallon.

New England Oil.com lists several area home heating oil dealers and their current price listings. Oil Price.com warns natural gas prices could continue to explode as well.

It's crazy to think of where senior citizens and others on fixed incomes can find the extra money, and it doesn't appear as though the situation will get better before it gets worse.

Get our free mobile app

AAA Northeast offers tips for making your gas last longer by not wasting it. Among the suggestions: drive slower, keep your vehicle in good mechanical shape, and monitor your air pressure.

AAA also provides a map of the United States with average gas prices for each state to help you calculate your travel expenses.

If all of that isn't bad enough, Yahoo Finance says food prices are rising and will increase between five and six percent this year.