Massachusetts gas prices rose 5 cents a gallon

Massachusetts gas prices rose an average of five cents over the last week to $3.19 for a gallon of self-serve regular, AAA Southern New England reported today.

Prices are now pennies away from the state's record high of $3.23 reached in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, said AAA, which added that the Bay State's current average price is 18 cents below the national average of $3.37.

One year ago, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gas in Massachusetts was $2.74, AAA said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)