People want to get from point A to point B, but for drivers, filling up the tank has become significantly more expensive since February 2026.
Gas prices have increased 50% since late February and are still going up almost every day. Massachusetts is already known as one of the most expensive states to live in, and gas prices aren’t making it any cheaper.
Gas prices have risen due to global oil market spikes driven by the issues occurring in the Middle East, as well as rising inflation.
Mrs. Cote, an Oakmont English teacher, and Mrs. Gronki, an Oakmont health teacher, explained that they always try to find the cheapest gas prices. Cote said Leominster is usually the cheapest spot.
Most Oakmont students go to Cumberland Farm because they can receive 10 cents off when they join as members.
Important factors in the rising gas prices are inflation and the overall cost of production. These expenses are usually passed on to consumers, which makes prices skyrocket.
Right now, gas is $4.25 a gallon for regular, which isn’t quite as high as the $4.96 it reached during the COVID-19 pandemic. In other places known for high prices, like California, gas is $6.15 a gallon.
Premium is averaging to $5.12 a gallon in the U.S.
Experts have found that national gas prices have been averaging around $4.36 a gallon, indicating they will remain above $3.00 during 2027.
Blake Gendron, a senior at Oakmont Regional High School, said he spent a total of $120 to fill his tank. He puts almost $40 into his premium, gas-guzzling truck every day.
The increase in gas prices has also affected economic growth. High gas prices work as a regressive tax, reducing disposable income for consumers and increasing operational costs for businesses.
Gas prices have caused families to cut down on essentials like food in order to afford gas.
CBS News explained that people’s frustration with gas prices, specifically the changes parents have had to make, are putting a strain on families. Although, some good things have resulted from the rising gas prices, including people switching to public transportation or electric vehicles. These changes reduce pollution, leading to less environmental pollution.
Seasonal trends have also shown a pattern: prices rising in spring and summer when the demand is higher, and decreasing during colder months.
Stella Deschenes, a junior at Oakmont Regional High School, stated that gas prices have made her think twice before going out. She only drives when she feels she needs to.
Most people have been left wondering when gas prices will drop. According to Are gas prices going back down?, gas is projected to decrease slightly in the next 1-2 weeks, although diesel may take longer.
It was also noted that more people than expected said they don’t mind the current price of gas; the increased expense was annoying, but they wouldn’t want to walk instead.
After talking with Mr Altobeli, a history teacher here at Oakmont, he brought up an important factor: he owns an electric car, so he doesn’t have to worry about gas.
This starts the big debate on electric cars or gas cars. In this situation, Altobeli doesn’t have to worry about gas, which is a major benefit amidst the rising prices.
Electric vehicles have saved people up to $2,400 annually on gas, and $2,600 per 15,000 miles on maintenance. Electric car owners have not been affected by the high gas prices, and it seems to be working in their favor.
According to CNBC, sales of used electric vehicles have surged, rising 29% early in 2026, often fueled by cost-conscious consumers seeking to avoid high gas prices.
