Drops in demand and crude oil prices, coupled with Covid-related travel restrictions, allowed the average Connecticut driver to save at least $240 last year compared to 2019, says AAA Northeast.
In 2019, CT drivers paid an average of $2.72 for a gallon of self-serve, regular gas. In that year, a driver, who traveled 12,000 miles annually in a vehicle delivering 25mpg, would have spent $1,305, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
In 2020, at an average of $2.22 a gallon, annual gas costs for that same driver would have been $1,065, reflecting the $240 savings, she said. “And for most drivers, who decreased their travel even more last year, the savings would have been even larger,” Mayko said.
As crude oil increases this year, gas prices continue to rise in this month. Today’s statewide average of $2.46 for a gallon of self-serve, regular is 3 cents higher compared to last week; but still 20 cents lower compared to last year, while on the national level, today’s average of $2.40 is a penny higher than last week but 13 cents lower than last year.
“If crude prices remain high and demand continues to increase, those prices may get even higher,” said Mayko. “Only time will tell.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.52 Lower Fairfield County $2.50
New Haven/Meriden $2.44 Greater Hartford $2.44
New London/Norwich $2.49 Windham/Middlesex $2.46
Statewide Average: $2.46
Today, Mississippi registers the lowest prices in the nation at $2.09, followed by Oklahoma and Texas, both at $2.11. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $3.38 and $3.33. respectively. Connecticut remains at 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.