Gas prices up, but they're much worse over the border

LEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Gas prices have gone up more than 34 cents per gallon since July 1, but despite the increases drivers have been seeing in this area, to some, the prices we pay seem quite reasonable.

Carmelina Passero told 22News that where she comes from in Ontario, Canada, the price of regular gas (which is sold there in liters) averages out to about $5.00 per gallon , and it's been that price for awhile.

“My goodness, you have it very well here in regards to the prices. Because Canadians come to the U.S., see the gas, and they come back,” Passero said.

If we had to pay five dollars for a gallon of gas, Caroline Correia of West Stockbridge told 22News that we'd make do, we'd learn to cope.

“Lots of other places have much higher gas prices than we do. We're sort of sheltered for awhile, so we deal with it, we wouldn't be happy about it, but we'd deal with it,” Correia said.

Gas prices in the Berkshires are about a dime more than in the Pioneer Valley. Analysts blame refinery shutdowns and higher crude oil prices for the recent surges in prices at the pump.

Tuscon, Arizona drivers are paying the lowest prices, at an average of $3.18 per gallon. In Chicago, on the other hand, regular goes for about $4.23 per gallon.