Nutmeggers are on the cusp of paying a bit more at the pump next month as gas prices in Connecticut continue to rise, says AAA Northeast.
Beginning February 1, Connecticut drivers will see state fuel taxes rise another nickel, as Connecticut continues to phase in the 25-cent a gallon fuel tax incrementally through May. The monthly nickel phase-in started January 1.
Today’s Connecticut average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.36, 7 cents higher than last week, but 16 cents lower than last year.
On the national level, today’s $3.51 average is 9 cents higher than last week and 15 cents higher than last year.
Increased demand and elevated global crude prices continue to push the national average upward.
“More drivers have hit the road in January because of relatively mild weather throughout much of the nation,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “However, the expected return of wintery conditions in February may revive seasonal driving patterns.”
Since the cost of oil continues to hover around the $80-a-barrel mark, drivers probably won’t catch a big price break at the pump over the next few weeks, she added.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.43 Lower Fairfield County $3.41
New Haven/Meriden $3.33 Greater Hartford $3.33
New London/Norwich $3.34 Windham/Middlesex $3.41
Statewide Average: $3.36
Today, Texas registers the lowest prices in the nation at $3.13, followed by Arkansas at $3.17. Hawaii and California have the highest gas prices at $4.93 and $4.55, respectively. Connecticut holds the 36th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.