Last week, the Energy Information Administration reported a surge in gasoline demand for the week before Easter Sunday to the tune of 9.4 million barrels a day — an increase of 1 million barrels a day over the prior week. That’s a bigger jump than last year, when pre-holiday demand rose by about 500,000 barrels a day, and it’s only the second time this year that weekly demand has exceeded 9 million barrels a day.
On the supply side, inventories of gasoline are tightening as domestic refiners across the country work through remaining seasonal maintenance schedules and wholesalers push the last drops of winter blend fuel out of the system. In the Northeast, inventories fell by 1 million barrels to 58 million barrels. That’s still 6.1 million barrels higher than last year, but the region is now below the 59.1 million barrel five-year average.
Despite the supply and demand dynamics putting upward pressure on pump prices, oil and gas markets remain gripped by uncertainty about trade policy and potential economic impact, keeping pump prices in check. Additionally, OPEC+ nations reaffirmed plans to increase production through April and into the summer, keeping oil prices contained in the low to mid-range of $60 a barrel.
“Historically, surging spring demand foretells a busy summer driving season, but this year, market participants remain uncertain whether it’s the start of a trend or just a blip,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Demand has been considered weak all year, and it will take several more weeks of stronger demand before a clear trend emerges.”
AAA Northeast’s April 28 survey of fuel prices found the national average down a penny from last week ($3.15), averaging $3.14/gallon. The April 28 national average price was a penny lower than a month ago ($3.15) and 51 cents lower than this day last year ($3.65).
| Region | Current Price* | One Week Ago | One Month Ago | One Year Ago |
| Connecticut | $3.06 | $3.04 | $3.03 | $3.73 |
| New Jersey | $2.96 | $2.96 | $2.95 | $3.60 |
| New York | $3.09 | $3.09 | $3.11 | $3.71 |
| Massachusetts | $2.96 | $2.95 | $2.97 | $3.59 |
| Rhode Island | $2.94 | $2.94 | $2.96 | $3.63 |
*Prices as of April 28, 2025
As of April 28, Mississippi and Oklahoma had the lowest prices in the nation, at $2.67 and $2.68, respectively. California and Hawaii held the highest prices in the nation at $4.79 and $4.49, respectively.
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
