Why is gas cheaper in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's gasoline averages $3.35 a gallon, $0.03 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 27 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Massachusetts stations.
What you're paying for
Massachusetts pays about $0.03 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by ample regional fuel supply.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Massachusetts U.S. average
Massachusetts, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.35 a gallon in Massachusetts?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Massachusetts's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.68 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 27 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.03 below the national average of $3.38.
How much of Massachusetts's gas price is taxes?+
Massachusetts charges about 27 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 13% of the $3.35 pump price.
Does Massachusetts have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Massachusetts does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.