Like the January thaw, statewide and national gas price averages are softening this week.
After experiencing price increases earlier this month, Connecticut and nationwide price averages today are both 3 cents lower than this time last week.
Today, the statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.65, down from last week’s $2.68; while nationally, the average dropped to $2.52, down from last week’s $2.55, says AAA Northeast.
Compared to last year, however, prices on both levels remain higher: Connecticut’s average is 14 cents higher; while National’s is 26 cents higher.
In recent weeks, the price of crude – the driving force of prices at the pump – has tumbled, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “In addition, there’s a glut of gas on the global market; a drop in demand and now the coronavirus scare, which are all contributing to declining gas prices.”
However, it isn’t unusual to see price drops during this time of year, she added. “Greater domestic gas supplies and less driving on the part of motorists have certainly eased the pain at the pump,” Mayko said. As far as the coronavirus is concerned, the disease is expected to affect travel and tourism and ultimately the energy sector, said Mayko.
AAA’s weekly survey price survey of Connecticut’s six regions are:
Greater Bridgeport $2.72 Lower Fairfield County: $2.69
New Haven/Meriden $2.63 Greater Hartford $2.62
New London/Norwich $2.64 Windham/Middlesex $2.67
Statewide Average: $2.65
Today, Hawaii and California continue to register the highest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $3.66 and $3.53, respectively. Missouri and Texas are the states with the lowest prices both at $2.17 and 2.20, respectively. Connecticut continues to rank 11th on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.