Despite lower demand, the higher price of crude is pushing pump prices up slightly, says AAA Northeast.
Today’s Connecticut average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.20, 3 cents higher than this time last week, but 29 cents lower than last year.
On the national level, today’s $3.33 average is 6 cents higher than last week and 2 cents higher than last year.
“Gasoline demand is usually lackluster this time of year because of shorter days and cold weather,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “And it’s likely demand won’t rise until we get closer to spring break.”
However, the driving factor to these increases are rising crude prices which have settled around the $80 a barrel mark.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.34 Lower Fairfield County $3.35
New Haven/Meriden $3.17 Greater Hartford $3.15
New London/Norwich $3.17 Windham/Middlesex $3.24
Statewide Average: $3.20
Today, Mississippi and Texas register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.93 and $2.95, respectively. Hawaii and California have the highest gas prices at $4.99 and $4.43, 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.