Connecticut gas prices today haven’t budged from last week’s average of $2.20 for a gallon of self-serve regular. However, compared to last year, motorists are enjoying prices that are 69 cents cheaper, says AAA Northeast.
The national gas price average of $2.18, however, is 2 cents lower than this time last week, as the demand for gasoline weakens across the country. Compared to last year, today’s national average is 56 cents cheaper.
“This is the first time since late April that the national average has declined,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Pump prices are dropping lower across the country as gasoline demand continued to wane over the last few weeks.”
Industry experts expect prices to fluctuate throughout the rest of the summer because of Covid-19 concerns in the West and South where many states are seeing a resurgence, said Mayko. “AAA predicts the nationally average may eventually reach $2.25 a gallon by summer’s end,” she added.
Contributing to fluctuating prices are several factors: a weakening US dollar overseas; a volatile crude oil market; bloated inventories; and falling gasoline demand, added Mayko.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.28 Lower Fairfield County: $2.26
New Haven/Meriden $2.18 Greater Hartford $2.17
New London/Norwich $2.20 Windham/Middlesex $2.22
Statewide Average: $2.20
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.84 and $1.86, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.23 and $3.17, respectively. Connecticut holds the 19th 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.