Updated Oct. 29, 2026, with EIA data for the week of Oct. 26. We update this page every week after the EIA’s Monday survey is released.
Regular gas in Massachusetts averaged $4.14 a gallon in the week of Oct. 26, 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That’s down from a 52-week high of $4.45 in mid-May, but up $1.25 from a year ago. Boston averaged $4.18, and the national average was $4.27.
Quick explainer: These are EIA averages, not the price at any one station. The EIA surveys a sample of stations every Monday. Prices at your local station can be higher or lower.
This week and recent weeks
| Week of | Massachusetts | Boston | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/10/26 | $4.14 | $4.18 | $4.27 |
| 2026/10/19 | $4.20 | $4.25 | $4.28 |
| 2026/10/12 | $4.26 | $4.30 | $4.33 |
| 2026/10/05 | $4.30 | $4.33 | $4.35 |
| 2026/09/28 | $4.32 | $4.34 | $4.46 |
| 2026/09/21 | $4.35 | $4.39 | $4.48 |
| 2026/09/14 | $4.25 | $4.27 | $4.32 |
| 2026/09/07 | $4.16 | $4.18 | $4.16 |
What the data shows
Massachusetts gas has been close to the national average for a decade, usually a few cents below it. In 2026, prices rose sharply in the spring: the state average went from a low of $2.79 in late January to $4.45 in May, and has eased since. The state’s record in EIA data is $5.04, set in the week of June 13, 2022. Boston prices are usually within a few cents of the state average.
| Year | Massachusetts | Boston | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $3.80 | $3.82 | $3.87 |
| 2025 | $2.97 | $2.98 | $3.10 |
| 2024 | $3.23 | $3.25 | $3.30 |
| 2023 | $3.45 | $3.47 | $3.52 |
| 2022 | $3.98 | $4.01 | $3.95 |
| 2021 | $2.93 | $2.92 | $3.01 |
| 2020 | $2.14 | $2.14 | $2.17 |
| 2019 | $2.58 | $2.59 | $2.60 |
| 2018 | $2.73 | $2.73 | $2.72 |
| 2017 | $2.40 | $2.40 | $2.41 |
| 2016 | $2.11 | $2.11 | $2.14 |
| 2015 | $2.36 | $2.36 | $2.43 |
How much of the price is tax?
Massachusetts charges a state gas tax of 24 cents a gallon, and the federal tax is 18.4 cents. Together that’s 42.4 cents a gallon, no matter the pump price. The rest covers crude oil, refining, distribution and the station’s margin. The EIA breaks down those shares nationally each month in its “Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update.”
Massachusetts also requires reformulated gasoline, a cleaner-burning blend, statewide under federal clean air rules. It costs a bit more to make, and stations switch between summer and winter versions each year, which can nudge prices in spring and fall.
Does Massachusetts have a sales tax on gas?
No. Gasoline is exempt from the 6.25% state sales tax. The 24-cent excise is a flat per-gallon tax.
Tips for paying less
- Prices can differ noticeably between nearby stations, especially near highways. Compare before you fill up.
- Many stations charge more for credit than for cash, so check the posted prices.
- Warehouse clubs and grocery reward programs often have lower prices for members.
- Consider the T for downtown trips. See our MBTA guide and current closures.
More money guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the average gas price in Massachusetts today?
$4.14 a gallon for regular in the week of Oct. 26, 2026, according to the EIA. We update this page weekly.
Is gas cheaper in Massachusetts than the national average?
Slightly, most years. In the latest week, Massachusetts averaged $4.14 and the U.S. averaged $4.27.
What is the Massachusetts gas tax?
24 cents a gallon in state excise tax, plus the 18.4-cent federal tax.
What was the highest gas price ever in Massachusetts?
$5.04 a gallon for regular, the week of June 13, 2022, in EIA data going back to 2003.
How often do gas prices update?
The EIA surveys stations every Monday and usually publishes the results that afternoon or the next day.
Sources
- U.S. EIA: Weekly Massachusetts regular gasoline prices
- U.S. EIA: Weekly Boston regular gasoline prices
- U.S. EIA: Weekly U.S. regular gasoline prices
Additional sources
Featured image: Photo: Rick Obst, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.