At the start of May, the statewide gas price average is up 3 cents, while nationally, prices are up a penny, said AAA Northeast.
As we move closer to Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer drive season, prices in both cases are expected to increase, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Relaxed Covid restrictions, higher crude oil prices, and a pent-up demand to travel especially in road trips are contributing to price increases this spring.
“We saw minimal fluctuations at the pump in April,” said Mayko. “But in May we’re likely to see much larger price increases along with spikes in demand as we get closer to the end of this month,” said Mayko
In Connecticut today’s average gas price for a gallon of self-serve, regular is $2.95, 3 cents higher than last week, and $1.03 cents higher than last year, while the national average of $2.90 is a penny higher than last week and $1.12 higher than last year.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.01 Lower Fairfield County $3.01
New Haven/Meriden $2.92 Greater Hartford $2.92
New London/Norwich $2.98 Windham/Middlesex $2.95
Statewide Average: $2.95
Today, Mississippi and Texas both register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.57 and $2.58, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.05 and $3.78, respectively. Connecticut moved up 2 spots to 14th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.