Higher crude prices and greater demand are pushing pump prices higher in Connecticut and throughout the country, says AAA Northeast.
Today’s Connecticut average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.29, 10 cents higher than last week, but 21 cents lower than last year.
On the national level, today’s $3.42 average is 11 cents higher than last week and 9 cents higher than last year.
“With oil hitting $80 a barrel, there’s upward pressure on pump prices,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Couple this with greater demand because of warmer weather throughout the country and we most likely will see higher pump prices this week.”
Crude has increased about 98 cents compared to last week because of China’s easing of its COVID-19 restrictions. “China’s action to re-open its economy despite high coronavirus rates is bolstering global crude demand,” Mayko said. “If market optimism continues, drivers can expect crude prices, the driving force of prices at the pump, to continue to climb.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.39 Lower Fairfield County $3.39
New Haven/Meriden $3.25 Greater Hartford $3.25
New London/Norwich $3.27 Windham/Middlesex $3.31
Statewide Average: $3.29
Today, Texas registers the lowest prices in the nation at $3.05, followed by Kansas and Mississippi, both at $3.06. Hawaii and California have the highest gas prices at $4.94 and $4.45, respectively. Connecticut holds the 34th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.