The CNMI saw another increase in gas prices over the weekend with local oil companies raising its prices by 10 cents.

Last Friday, Mobil Oil Marianas took the lead in implementing an increase in gas prices with Shell Marianas following suit shortly after.

With the recent increase in fuel prices, regular fuel is now $5.66 per gallon from $5.56. Mobil also raised its Supreme fuel from $6.01 per gallon to $6.11 while diesel is now $5.93 per gallon.

Members of the community are no longer fazed by the recent increase in fuel prices.

According to a 28-year-old local motorist, she said she hadn’t noticed that prices went up.

“I didn’t notice until you mentioned it. I feel like increases have been normalized that it doesn’t faze me. Maybe if it’s a $1 increase, then maybe I’ll feel it but right now, not really,” she said.

Another motorist said that he hopes that prices don’t get too unaffordable given the economy.

“Everyone is struggling, the last thing we need is gas prices costing an arm and a leg. Gas is a necessity and we can’t make a living without it. I really hope it maintains affordable at least,” said the 24-year-old.

The increase of gas prices only continues with local oil companies raising prices back-to-back with another increase last Wednesday afternoon.

Late last Wednesday afternoon, local oil companies increased their prices again by 10 cents. This is officially the third increase seen this year.

With the recent increase, Mobil Oil Marianas now charges $5.56 per gallon of Extra fuel from $5.46. Mobil’s Supreme fuel has also increased from $5.91 to $6.01 per gallon, while diesel went up from $5.83 to $5.93.

The upward trend in gas prices this year began late in January with gas prices increasing from $5.26 per gallon of regular fuel to $5.36.

Then, in the first week of February, gas prices went up again with gas increasing from $5.36 per gallon to $5.46.

Although gas continues to increase, many are hopeful that as the year progresses, the CNMI will see prices decrease as it did last year.

“This was the case last year, if I remember correctly. Gas prices steadily increased in the beginning of the year before it steadily dropped in the [latter] half of the year. Hopefully that’s the case this year,” said a gas attendant.

A 27-year-old woman said this seems to be the trend.

“This seems to be the trend. We saw increases a lot last year then we saw a lot of decreases. Hopefully prices don’t get too crazy in this economy,” she said.