PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Rising gas prices in Aroostook County are reflecting those across the United States.
As of March 10, gas prices across Aroostook County were going up. Presque Isle is at $4.09 for regular unleaded gasoline, along with Houlton, Caribou, and Fort Kent. Madawaska is at $4.11 While gas prices were already increasing due to the economy recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to the U.S. putting out strict sanctions on Russian oil and gas, further contributing to the increased gas prices.
On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on Russian imports of oil and gas as a means of punishing Russia for its aggressive actions taken against Ukraine. While this move is meant to punish Russia for its actions, the cost of cheaper oil is also lost as a result, helping lead to the increased prices. With Russia as the top producer of oil and gas, the US has to find alternative routes for supplies.
Across the state of Maine, gas prices are rising. The national average per gallon of gas is $4.331 according to AAA, with Maine settling slightly below the national average at $4.299. The average price for gas in Aroostook County is currently below the national average at $4.192, the lowest in the state currently by county. The current highest prices by county are in Franklin and Oxford counties at $4.354 and $4.377, respectively.
A week ago, the average price of gas was $3.825, and a month ago, even lower at $3.493. Last year, the average price was $2.787, approximately $1.512 less than what it is now.
While Maine gas prices aren’t as bad as other states, like New York, California or Hawaii, the daily increases have become noticeable to residents both socially and financially.
Many in Aroostook aren’t thrilled about the rise in prices, expressing the need to cut back in order to save money.
“I think it’s crazy,” said Branden Brewer. “I think it’s going to get worse before it gets any better. I have been cutting back on driving my main vehicle. What $20 used to get me now only gets me about $10 worth.”
“We are trying to cut back a little bit on usage, especially seeing how fuel prices have been rising for the last couple of weeks,” said Jeremy Reed. “It’s starting to get a little nuts now. I mean diesel just shot up today at most gas stations to $5.68 a gallon. With the way things are going, people are going to have to cut back in some way.”
“It’s ridiculous,” said Don Frank. “When they tell you that there is nothing that can be done, it’s a lie. I was just talking to someone down the road who paid $500 for 100 gallons of diesel. They just want to do away with the oil. This president is not helping anyone.”
