Massachusetts gas prices hold steady at record high $4.73 a gallon

BOSTON - Gas prices in Massachusetts started the week where they've been the last 12 days - at a record high $4.73 a gallon, according to AAA. They have not risen or fallen from that mark since May 19.

A year ago, it was $2.92 a gallon, $1.81 less.

"So far, the pent-up urge to travel caused by the pandemic outweighs high pump prices for many consumers," AAA spokeswoman Mary Maguire said in a statement. "But 67% of drivers recently surveyed told us they would change their driving habits if gas hit $4.50 a gallon. That number rises to 75% at $5 a gallon. If pump prices keep rising, will people alter their summer travel plans? That remains to be seen."

The national average is currently $4.62 a gallon, which is also a record, according to AAA.

California still has the highest prices in the country, with an average of $6.16 a gallon.

Diesel prices continued a steady but slow decline and are now averaging $6.25 a gallon in Massachusetts as of Tuesday. That's now 16 cents lower than the record of $6.41 set back on May 18.