Gas Prices Surge More Than 30 Cents in a Month; Are you Driving Less?

Gas prices in Lexington continue their upward march, with prices reaching the highest point ever in February and up more than a quarter in the past month.

AAA Southern New England said its survey of prices in Massachusetts on Monday found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $3.72 per gallon, four cents higher than a week ago and up 31 cents over the past month. A year ago at this time, the Massachusetts average price was $3.60.

On Wednesday, the average price in Lexington was $3.76, up signifcantly over a month ago, according to AAA and Mapquest, and slightly higher than the national average for self-serve unleaded of $3.73.

According to prices listed on Mapquest, least expensive gallon of gas was $3.64, at the Marrett Road Gulf and Mobil on the Run. In the middle of the pack was the Sunoco, at $3.70 per gallon. Lexington Gulf and the Gulf station on Bedford Street both checked at $3.90 for a gallon of regular. The reported Heritage Service Center price of $3.77 was a week old.

AAA offers a new gas saving tip each week with its gas price updates. This week, the AAA suggests drivers accelerate smoothly and brake gradually - it’s safer, uses less gas and reduces brake wear.

Tell us: Have you noticed the higher gas prices? If so, how are you reacting? Are you driving less? Tell us in the comments.