Like rush-hour traffic, statewide and national gas price averages aren’t moving this week despite a drop in inventory and demand, said AAA Northeast.
In Connecticut today, the statewide average of $2.67 is the same as last week. Compared to last month, however, prices are a penny higher and compared to last year, they’re a quarter lower.
On the national level, average prices of $2.61 are also sluggish, and remain the same as last week. Compared to last month, national prices are 3 cents lower; compared to last year, prices are 8 cents lower.
“While most states have seen slightly higher gas prices this week, the increase – unlike prices in Connecticut – were just a few pennies,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Today, the state holds the 16th spot on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. In other words, adds Mayko, gas prices are higher in 34 other states, which is unusual because Connecticut routinely appears in the Top 12 Drivers’ Dozen.
In the coming weeks, drivers can expect to see fluctuations at the pump although no major increases are in store for them, she added.
Higher crude oil prices and global issues continue to make the market jittery and affect prices at the pump, Mayko said. Crude oil prices climbed because China and the US – the world’s two large consumers of crude – are attempting to resolve trade tensions. Initially, tensions sparked fears that global demand would suffer because of increased trade tariffs between the countries.
AAA’s weekly survey price survey of Connecticut’s six regions are:
Greater Bridgeport $2.74 Lower Fairfield County: $2.71
New Haven/Meriden $2.65 Greater Hartford $2.63
New London/Norwich $2.68 Windham/Middlesex $2.68
Statewide Average: $2.67
Today, California and Hawaii continue to register the highest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $4.04 and $3.57, respectively. Louisiana and Mississippi are the states with the lowest prices both at $2.22. Connecticut is now at the 16th spot, from the 15th on the list of states with the highest prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.