Despite high gas prices, Thanksgiving travelers are more road-ready than ever this holiday, says AAA Northeast.
More than 48 million folks – 2.1 million just from New England – plan to hit the roads, beginning Wednesday. Nationally, 53 million travelers, a 13% increase over last year, will drive or fly to a destination 50 miles or more from home.
Today’s statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.56, 2 cents higher than last week and $1.43 higher than year. On the national, however, average gas prices are a penny less than last week at $3.41, but $1.30 higher than last year.
Although Connecticut prices continue to rise, the national average is on the downswing because the crude oil prices tumbled into the mid-$70 after hovering above $80 a barrel since Labor Day.
“The price of crude oil accounts for at least 50% of what consumers pay at the pump,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman, “So a lower oil price should translate into better gasoline prices for drivers.”
Several factors are driving down crude oil prices: a dipping global demand; a resurgence of Covid that’s slowing global economic activity and the US’s recent call for large oil-consuming nations to release their stockpiled oil.
“Until global oil production ramps back up to pre-pandemic levels, a dip in crude prices may be only temporary,” cautioned Mayko. “Only time will tell when this happens.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.63 Lower Fairfield County $3.61
New Haven/Meriden $3.54 Greater Hartford $3.53
New London/Norwich $3.57 Windham/Middlesex $3.56
Statewide Average: $3.56
Today, Oklahoma and Texas register the lowest prices in the nation a $2.96 and $3.01, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.71 and $4.34, respectively. Connecticut remains at the 14th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.