After dropping to a low of $1.91 in early May, Connecticut’s gas price average today is pennies away from hitting the $2 mark.
Today, the average price for a gallon of self-serve in The Nutmeg State registers $1.96, 2 cents higher than this time last week, but $1.02 lower compared to last year.
The National average also hovers below the $2 mark today at $1.96. Today’s price is 7 cents higher than last week and 87 cents lower than last year.
“Americans have seen significantly cheaper-than-normal gas prices over the past two months,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “However, those low prices have been rising. While motorists will see pump prices increase, AAA doesn’t expect this summer’s average to be as expensive as last year’s.”
Fluctuating crude prices and higher demand are contributing to higher prices as states are easing Covid-19 restrictions. “Although demand has been increasing since the end of April, it’s still down 28% compared to early May last year,” said Mayko.
Future gas increases may be caused by the upcoming hurricane season, which begins June 1, said Mayko. The government predicts an above-normal season with 13 – 19 named storms. The average Atlantic hurricane season usually produces 12 named storms including three major hurricanes.
Here’s AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.08 Lower Fairfield County: $2.10
New Haven/Meriden $1.93 Greater Hartford $1.93
New London/Norwich $1.93 Windham/Middlesex $1.93
Statewide Average: $1.96
Today, Mississippi and Arkansas register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.58 and $1.62, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.17and $2.87, respectively. Connecticut holds the 22nd spot on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through wsww.gasprices.aaa.com