Gasoline prices in Rhode Island are up six cents this week according to AAA Northeast. This week’s price is the highest seen since the second week in January.

AAA Northeast’s April 17 survey of prices in Rhode Island finds self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.32 per gallon. Rhode Island’s price is eight cents below the national average of $2.40. A year ago at this time, the average price in Rhode Island was 17 cents lower at $2.15.

“Production cuts from the oil-producing nations of OPEC are keeping crude oil prices above $53 per barrel,” said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “That combines with seasonal refinery maintenance and increasing demand to keep springtime gas prices on the rise.”

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 21 cents, from a low of $2.18 to a high of $2.39. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up – every time.