GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

January 12, 2010

Mass. gas prices shoot up 8 cents


Massachusetts gas prices shoot up 8 cents

BOSTON (AP) — The price of a gallon of gasoline in Massachusetts shot up eight cents in the past week, but still remains well below the national average.

AAA Southern New England's weekly survey released yesterday that a gallon of self-serve regular jumped to an average of $2.70, its highest level since October 2008.

The price is four cents below the national average but more than a dollar higher than at the same time a year ago.

Oil prices jumped yesterday amid signs of strong Chinese demand for crude, a weakening U.S. dollar and a strong flow of speculative funds into commodities.