Lower demand – the lowest since mid-June – continue to push Connecticut and national gas prices downward.
Today, Connecticut’s average price for a gallon of self-serve regular registers $2.21, 2 cents lower compared to last week and 48 cents lower than this time last year.
The National average of $2.19 a gallon is 3 cents lower compared to last week and 38 cents lower than this time last year.
Even though there has been a recent drop in gasoline supplies, inventories are high enough they don’t translate into higher pump prices, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Mid-September also is typically the time of the year that ushers in cheaper prices, Mayko explained, because of the switchover from the summer blends to the less costly winter blends.
“With the switchover, drivers will see some further cost savings at the pump,” Mayko added. “The wild card in this mix are the hurricanes on the horizon that can always change any forecast for savings.”
Today, there are reports about Tropical Storm Sally, which is expected to produce hurricane force winds in the northern Gulf Coast. Sally’s impending arrival has already forced several refineries and platforms to shut temporarily.
“But drivers here don’t have to worry,” Mayko said. “Any effect the storm has on prices will likely be limited to the Gulf region and not have a national impact.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.28 Lower Fairfield County: $2.27
New Haven/Meriden $2.19 Greater Hartford $2.17
New London/Norwich $2.23 Windham/Middlesex $2.24
Statewide Average: $2.21
Today, Mississippi and Texas register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.86 and $1.87, respectively, while California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.24 and $3.23, respectively. Connecticut is holding steady at the 21st spot on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through wsww.gasprices.aaa.com.