Ticker: Price at the pump jumps a nickel; Maine pols seek delay in whale protections

Gas prices in Massachusetts are a dollar higher now than they were a year ago, according to AAA.

The automobile club reported the price at the pump climbed 5 cents over the last week to average $3.44 in their last survey.

Today’s price is seven cents higher than a month ago and a buck higher than a year ago.

Blustery winter weather and tensions over a possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia have been driving up the price of crude oil, which is now approaching $90 a barrel, nearly $30 higher than August.

“This shows how events on the other side of the globe can have a noticeable impact right here in the U.S,” says Mary Maguire, Director of Public/Government Affairs for AAA. “And unfortunately for drivers, they are reminded of this by higher prices at the pump.”

Maine pols seek delay in whale protections 

Maine’s governor and congressional delegation are calling on the federal government to push back new fishing rules designed to protect whales so fishermen can comply with them.

New lobster fishing rules require fishermen to start using weakened rope or special inserts to weaken existing rope beginning in May in some waters. That’s to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and the four members of the delegation said Monday the federal government should push the conversion deadline from May 1 to July 1. They said a lack of compliant gear is making it hard for harvesters to comply with the rules.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/IWlwFze