Gas demand dipped last week, but oil prices edged upward amid reports of strong economic growth in the United States and Chinese efforts to boost growth in its economy. As a result, gas prices trended upwards in Rhode Island and across the country.

 The average gas price in Rhode Island is 3 cents higher than last week,  averaging $3.04 per gallon. Monday’s  price is 6 cents lower than a month ago,  and 37 cents lower than Jan. 29, 2023. Rhode Island’s average gas price is 6 cents lower than the national average.

 “We may not reach the $3.00 national average that many American drivers were hoping for,” said Mary Maguire, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “If oil prices continue to see upward pressure, drivers could see pump prices increase steadily in the weeks ahead.”

AAA Northeast’s Jan. 29 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 3 cents higher than last week, averaging $3.10 a gallon. Monday’s national average price was 2 cents lower than a month ago and is 40 cents lower than this day last year.