Like autumn leaves, average gas prices this time of year usually start to fall. But instead of taking a seasonal dip, prices at the pump continue to reflect their higher summertime levels, said AAA Northeast.
Higher-priced crude, reduced production in the Gulf of Mexico, and speculation about the effects of global Covid cases combine to keep pump prices high this season, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“Consumers aren’t seeing the usual autumn relief at the pump because 16% of the Gulf’s crude production is still shuttered because of Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas,” she said. “Crude oil – the driving force of higher prices at the pump – has clipped the $73 a barrel market and the increased number of worldwide Covid cases is creating concerns about effects on the global economy.”
As the Gulf’s restoration process continues, drivers may see stabilized prices at the pump in the next few weeks, “but the wild car is the price of crude,” said Mayko. “Higher crude prices will most likely push pump prices higher. Only time will tell.”
Today’s national gas price average of $3.19 for a gallon of self-serve regular and Connecticut’s at $3.21 are both the same compared to last week.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.28 Lower Fairfield County $3.27
New Haven/Meriden $3.19 Greater Hartford $3.17
New London/Norwich $3.24 Windham/Middlesex $3.22
Statewide Average: $3.21
Today, Mississippi and Texas both register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.82. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.40 and $4.07, respectively. Connecticut moved to the 18th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.