Connecticut drivers aren’t getting their tinsel in tangle this week since they’re receiving an early holiday present at the pump.
For the third consecutive week, gas prices in The Nutmeg State are averaging $2.66 , the same as last week. Best of all, today’s statewide prices are 16 cents lower compared to last year.
National pump prices also are following suit: today’s average price of $2.59 is the same as last week. But here comes the “Bah, Humbug: ” compared to last year, the national average is 12 cents higher.
Even after a busy holiday weekend where 49 million Americans traveled by car, gas prices across the country saw minimal movement, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“Global inventory has steadily increased over the past few weeks as worldwide demand is slowing down,” she said. “Because of this drop in demand, a majority of drivers continue to see cheaper gas prices.”
On the global scene, several other factors are contributing to lower pump prices:
- Crude oil prices – the driving force of prices at the pump — dropped nearly $3, settling around $55;
- The US continues to hit record production levels; and
- Market fears concerning tensions between China and the US – the world’s two largest crude consumers – continue to circulate. If tensions persist this week, crude prices could slide further.
Today, Connecticut continues to hold the 16th spot on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. In other words, said Mayko, gas prices are higher in 34 other states, which is unusual because Connecticut routinely appears in the Top 12 Drivers’ Dozen.
AAA’s weekly survey price survey of Connecticut’s six regions are:
Greater Bridgeport $2.73 Lower Fairfield County: $2.70
New Haven/Meriden $2.64 Greater Hartford $2.64
New London/Norwich $2.69 Windham/Middlesex $2.69
Statewide Average: $2.66
Today, California and Hawaii continue to register the highest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $3.80 and $3.67, respectively. Louisiana and Mississippi are the states with the lowest prices both at $2.22 and 2.23, respectively. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.