The switchover to the higher-priced summer blends is pushing pump prices higher this week, said AAA Northeast. However, the price pop could be short-lived if demand and crude prices continue to drop.
Today’s Connecticut average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.32, 5 cents higher than last week, and $1.15 lower than last year.
On the national level, today’s $3.47 average is 6 cents higher than last week and 85 cents lower than last year.
“Less expensive crude oil and fewer people fueling up may be pushing pump prices downward, but these factors are counteracted by refinery maintenance and the summer blend switchover, which may add a few more cents in some states,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Recent bank failures in California and potential higher interest rates are making the market jittery, which also is contributing to higher pump prices nationally. In Connecticut drivers are seeing the effects of an additional nickel increase in the state fuel tax, the third such increase since January. The full 25 cent tax will be phased in by May.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.37 Lower Fairfield County $3.33
New Haven/Meriden $3.30 Greater Hartford $3.30
New London/Norwich $3.31 Windham/Middlesex $3.37
Statewide Average: $3.32
Today, Mississippi registers the lowest prices in the nation at $3.02, followed by Oklahoma at $3.04. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.92 and $4.84, respectively. Connecticut holds 25th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.