As the new year begins, Connecticut’s average price of $3.50 for a gallon of self-serve regular has dropped a penny since last week, says AAA Northeast.
Despite the decrease, The Nutmeg State just made the list of the top 10 states with the highest gas prices in the nation. Connecticut moved into 10th place after weeks of bouncing between 11th and 12th place on the list.
“The drop in price is good news for Connecticut drivers,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the potential impact of Omicron and the long-term effects of the pre-Christmas Exxon refinery fire on national prices.” Today’s national average of $3.29 is a penny higher than last week.
As demand grows and supply tightens, market fears continue to circulate about the pandemic’s effects on the global economy and reduced production at Exxon’s Texas plant, the nation’s fourth largest oil refinery.
“Recent fluctuations in crude oil prices have helped limit price increases,” said Mayko. “However, if crude climbs, pump prices will follow suit.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.58 Lower Fairfield County $3.56
New Haven/Meriden $3.49 Greater Hartford $3.45
New London/Norwich $3.48 Windham/Middlesex $3.51
Statewide Average: $3.50
Today, Oklahoma and Texas register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.89 and $2.91, respectively. California and Hawaii held the highest prices in the nation at $4.66 and $4.33, respectively. Connecticut has moved to 10th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.