Massachusetts gas near $4.49 gallon

AAA data showed Massachusetts regular gasoline averaged $4.497 a gallon on Tuesday, May 19, as drivers prepared for the Memorial Day travel period. The state average was just under the $4.50 mark cited in local reports and sat slightly below the national average of $4.533, according to AAA's fuel tracker. The increase comes as AAA projects a record 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday stretch from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. Of those, 39.1 million are expected to go by car. ### How high were Massachusetts gas prices on Tuesday? AAA's Massachusetts fuel page listed the statewide average for regular gasoline at $4.497 per gallon on May 19. The same tracker showed county-level prices ranging well above $4.60 in some areas, underscoring how uneven pump prices remain across the state. The national average stood at $4.533 a gallon on the same day, according to AAA. That left Massachusetts about 3.6 cents below the U.S. average, but still near the levels that local Massachusetts Patch sites described as "near $4.50 a gallon." ### Why are prices getting attention this week? AAA said May 21 to May 25 is expected to be the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record for domestic travel, with 45 million people projected to take trips of at least 50 miles. The group said 39.1 million travelers are expected to drive, making cars the dominant mode of transportation for the holiday. Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, said in the organization's May 11 forecast that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and that many Americans use the three-day weekend to spend time with family and friends. AAA also said drivers are paying more at the pump than they did over last year's Memorial Day weekend. ### What does AAA say about breakdown risks during the holiday rush? AAA-affiliated clubs said roadside crews handled more than 350,000 to 356,000 emergency calls over last year's Memorial Day weekend. The most common problems were flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts, according to AAA Auto Club Group. Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group, said a pre-trip inspection can help drivers avoid preventable breakdowns. AAA also said poor vehicle condition can cut fuel efficiency and raise repair costs, pointing to batteries, tires, brakes and fluid levels as items to check before leaving. ### Are higher pump prices changing travel plans? AAA said the 2026 Memorial Day forecast is slightly above 2025 levels, when 44.8 million people traveled for the holiday. The group said this year's total would set a new Memorial Day weekend record even with fuel prices running higher than a year earlier. AAA Northeast said driving remains the most popular option and accounts for 87% of Memorial Day travelers. Its regional forecast said many travelers continue to prioritize leisure trips despite higher fuel costs. ### Where can drivers track prices and travel updates next? AAA updates its Massachusetts fuel averages daily on its gas price tracker, including statewide and county-level figures. The organization also posts Memorial Day travel forecasts and roadside safety guidance through its national and regional newsrooms. Thursday, May 21, marks the start of AAA's Memorial Day travel window, and the group said drivers can use its gas price tools and roadside services as traffic builds into the weekend.