What a difference a week makes!
After weeks of decline, the national gas price average of $1.78 has crept up a penny compared to last week. Despite the slight increase, however, that price is still $1.12 lower than this time last year, says AAA Northeast.
On the other hand, Connecticut average of $1.91 for a gallon of self-serve regular today is 2 cents lower compared to last week and a whopping $1.10 cents lower than last year.
Less than a dozen states are seeing price increases. But those increases are enough to push the national average up a penny, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“As some states begin to re-open businesses, drivers most likely see increases in demand with pump prices soon following,” Mayko added.
States in the Great Lakes and Central regions generally are seeing double-digit increases at the pump, while other states throughout the country are experiencing drops of a nickel or less. “As more states re-open, and motorists begin driving, we’re going to see price fluctuation across the country,” Mayko said.
Although crude oil prices are on increase, demand also continues to remain low because of the pandemic. Global supplies are expected to drop when a production agreement between OPEC and other major crude producers — an action taken to rebalance the global market — takes effect later this month.
Here’s AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.08 Lower Fairfield County: $2.12
New Haven/Meriden $1.86 Greater Hartford $1.87
New London/Norwich $1.89 Windham/Middlesex $1.88
Statewide Average: $1.91
Today, Oklahoma and Arkansas register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.38 and $1.40, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.19 and $2.75, respectively. Connecticut continues to hold the 15th spot 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