Gas drops 4 cents in Mass.

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts are down 4 cents this week, according to AAA Northeast.

At 3 cents lower than the national average of $2.74 for self-service regular unleaded gas, Massachusetts has been averaging $2.41 per gallon when pricing data was gathered June 10. A year ago, the average price in Massachusetts was averaged 18 cents higher, at $2.89.

This week has the highest refinery utilization levels in the United States since early January, said Mary Maguire of AAA. Crude oil is becoming cheaper for consumers, while supplies are keeping pace with robust demand, she said.

“The national average is poised to fall to at least $2.70 this week – an indication that pump prices may be even cheaper this summer,”said Ms. Maguire.  

Unleaded regular has a range of 52 cents this week, from a low of $2.53 to a high of $3.05. Prices may vary within both the area of consumers and individual companies of pump stations.