After weeks of very little movement, average gas prices in The Nutmeg State and on the national level are heading upward.
Today, Connecticut’s statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.17, 2 cents higher than last week. Compared to last year, however, prices are 50 cents lower.
Nationally, at $2.16 a gallon, prices are 3 cents higher than last week, and 42 cents lower than last year.
Higher crude oil prices and recent action by OPEC are pushing average prices higher, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“Industry experts predicted a drop in prices following Thanksgiving,” Mayko said. “But last week crude hit a high of $46 a barrel, a price not seen in nine months. OPEC’s recent decision to increase production in 2021 has also prompted price jumps in some states.”
Even with numerous state increases – in some cases between 3 and 12 cents – prices at the pump remain relatively low. Fifteen states are seeing average prices of $2 a gallon or less, she added.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.22 Lower Fairfield County: $2.21
New Haven/Meriden $2.15 Greater Hartford $2.14
New London/Norwich $2.19 Windham/Middlesex $2.21
Statewide Average: $2.17
Today, Missouri and Mississippi register the lowest prices in the nation with $1.81 and $1.83, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $3.26 and $3.19. respectively. Connecticut moved up one spot to the 21st 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.