Today’s statewide and national gas price averages, the highest since March 2020, are rising to pre-pandemic levels even as demand continues to nosedive, said AAA Northeast.
Today’s statewide average of $2.35 for a gallon of self-serve, regular is 7 cents higher compared to last week; but still 34 cents lower compared to last year. On the national level, today’s national average of $2.32 is 6 cents higher than last week but 27 cents lower than last year.
“Higher crude oil prices – the highest they’ve been pre-pandemic – are among the factors driving higher prices at the pump, even though demand is at its lowest level since last May,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “If crude oil prices remain high, Americans can expect to pay more at the pump this month.”
Crude oil is hovering around the $52 a barrel mark after the Saudis announced they would cut production significantly in February and March. Lower production and ongoing refinery maintenance are also contributing to tighter supplies, and as a result, outweigh the benefits of lower demand, Mayko said.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.41 Lower Fairfield County $2.41
New Haven/Meriden $2.32 Greater Hartford $2.33
New London/Norwich $2.36 Windham/Middlesex $2.37
Statewide Average: $2.35
Today, Mississippi and Texas register the lowest prices in the nation at $1.99 and $2.01, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $3.30 and $3.28. respectively. Connecticut moved up to the 14th 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.