Rhode Island continues to mirror the rest of the nation in watching gasoline prices rise. Locally, prices rose eight cents in the last week and 29 cents over the last month, according to AAA Northeast.

AAA’s March 3rd survey of prices in Rhode Island found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.37 per gallon, up eight cents from last week. The current price is six cents less than the national average for regular unleaded of $2.43. A year ago at this time Rhode Island’s average price was $1.18 higher at $3.55.

“Seasonal maintenance at refineries plus volatile global crude oil prices are having an impact on the prices consumers pay at the pump,” said Lloyd P. Albert, Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “Ample domestic supply is expected to keep a ceiling on prices, though there is a good chance that prices will continue to rise this spring.”

The range in prices in the latest local AAA survey for unleaded regular is 22 cents, from a low of $2.27 to a high of $2.49. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up- every trip, every time.