Who Do You Blame For The Spike In Gas Prices?

The facts are indisputable.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Rhode Island is currently $3.88. That's up 4 cents over last week's prices and a whopping 13 cents higher than it was just one month ago.

The price has actually soared to over $4 a gallon at some Newport County stations, with most area gas prices hovering around $3.99 per gallon for regular unleaded.

Just one year ago, Rhode Islanders were paying $3.74 gas up with that same gallon.

Over the border, Massachusetts residents are also paying more this week, where gasoline prices are also up four cents this week, according to AAA Southern New England. 

For a list of the gas stations in Tiverton and Little Compton selling the least expensive fuel, click here for our Commute Page.

Ask 10 different people to explain the cause of the off-season spike and you might get 10 different answers. Some have blamed OPEC, while others have blamed big oil companies. A recent rash of severe weather has been seen as a cause by some people, as have the energy polices and proposals of one political party or another. Still other people have blamed oil speculators on Wall Street.

But we want to know what YOU think. What do you believe is the cause for the recent spike in the cost of gasoline and do you think it has topped out or do you expect it to climb even higher over the next several weeks?

In the interim, AAA Southern New England urges drivers to keep an eye open for lower fuel prices, but not to waste gas driving to distant filling stations to save a few cents.
Find the most up-to-date local gas prices with the AAA Fuel Finder by logging onto AAA.com and clicking on Gas Saving Tips & Tools. AAA members can also obtain a copy of the Gas Watcher’s Guide at their local AAA Southern New England office.