Why Pittsfield Drivers Pay 27 Cents More Per Gallon Than the Rest of Massachusetts

I filled up my mini-van in Lanesborough on Tuesday and paid $2.89 a gallon - this was the first time I supposed I noticed regular gas under $3.00 in a while. Ironically, moments later, I was on the phone with a friend in Houston who had just filled up for $1.89! A rarity, I'm sure - but gas prices are going down. Why?

• surplus of crude oil
• winter blend of gas is cheaper to produce
• decreased demand

Why Gas Prices Vary By 27 Cents Across Massachusetts

Drivers filling up over in Seekonk are paying significantly less at the pump than those in Pittsfield, according to the latest data from AAA.

As of Wednesday, regular gasoline in Seekonk averages $2.72 per gallon, the lowest in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Pittsfield drivers face the state's highest average at $2.99 per gallon, a difference of 27 cents.

Springfield comes in as the state's second-cheapest metro area at $2.76 per gallon, while Boston sits near the middle at $2.88. The Cambridge-Newton-Framingham area ($2.95), Worcester ($2.91), and Barnstable-Yarmouth ($2.96) round out the state's seven tracked metro regions.

The Massachusetts statewide average stands at $2.89 per gallon, just above the national average of $2.83.

Border communities consistently offer the cheapest gas. Seekonk sits on the Rhode Island line, where stations compete with nearby Rhode Island prices. Springfield benefits from similar competition along the Connecticut border.

The Berkshires

Pittsfield's higher prices reflect several factors. The Berkshires' remote location means higher transportation costs to deliver fuel from refineries and distribution terminals, most of which are concentrated near Boston Harbor or Connecticut. Mountainous terrain adds to delivery expenses, while a smaller customer base means less volume and higher per-gallon costs.