At $3.12 today, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in Connecticut is at its highest point of the year, says AAA Northeast.
The same goes from the national average of $3.09. In both cases, prices are expected to climb — just in time for the Independence Day weekend.
“As travelers head into the July 4 weekend, we expect the average prices to increase as much as a nickel,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
In Connecticut, today’s gas price average of $3.12 is 3 cents higher than last week, and 95 cents higher than last year. On the national level, today’s average of $3.10 is also 3 cents higher than last week and 92 cents higher than last year.
A record – breaking 44 million Americans also are expected to hit the road for a holiday getaway between July 1 and 5 this year.
Although it’s typical to see gas prices increase before a holiday, this year’s rise has been quite noticeable to drivers, said Mayko. “In fact, road trippers will pay the most to fill up for the July 4 holiday since 2014 when the national average was $3.66,” she added.
This year, three factors are contributing to crude oil increases: confidence in the global vaccination rollout; spikes in global demand; and the easing of travel restrictions.
At $74 a barrel, crude oil is selling at the highest price in three years. Crude, the driving force of prices at the pump, is expected to climb and contribute to higher prices by the end of summer.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.19 Lower Fairfield County $3.18
New Haven/Meriden $3.09 Greater Hartford $3.09
New London/Norwich $3.13 Windham/Middlesex $3.11
Statewide Average: $3.12
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.74 and $2.75, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.28 and $4.00, respectively. Connecticut moved up 1 spot, to the 16th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.