Since the start of 2021, gas prices have continuously increased, with an average of $2.85/gallon as of March. Just over a year ago, in April of 2020, prices were as low as $1.77/gallon. Prices have increased in the past 17 consecutive weeks, being the longest streak of increase since 1994. 

Gas prices in the U.S are a result of crude oil prices, retail distribution, refining and marketing costs, and taxes. The costs of gasoline taxes and distribution costs usually stay the same which makes gas prices affected by crude oil and refining prices. 

The seacoast area is not exempt from the rise of gasoline prices, with prices ranging from $2.90 to $3.00 or more per gallon. 

¨Although the prices are pretty high right now, I don’t really go out of my way to find lower prices,¨ says Kristina Lantz, Junior at PHS. 

¨The prices haven’t affected me too much,¨ says Lee-Ann Gonsalves, staff member at PHS.   ¨I’m glad to use my Cumberland Farms card to save on gas.¨