It’s a classic case of supply and demand: tighter supplies and greater demand, coupled with higher crude prices, are pushing gas price averages higher on the state and national levels, said AAA Northeast.
Average gas prices for a gallon of self-serve regular in Connecticut and on the national level are both 5 cents higher compared to last week.
Today’s average price in The Nutmeg State is $2.80, 29 cents higher than this time last year just before the state lockdown and folks began working remotely. On the national level, the average is $2.77, 38 cents higher before the start of the pandemic in 2020.
“Demand nationwide is growing faster than gas is being produced and refinery production is at a record low,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “As a result, every state average has climbed by double-digits since February, which means 1 in 10 gas stations nationwide have pump prices of $3 or more a gallon.”
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.86 Lower Fairfield County $2.87
New Haven/Meriden $2.77 Greater Hartford $2.78
New London/Norwich $2.84 Windham/Middlesex $2.79
Statewide Average: $2.80
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.44 and $2.48, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $3.75 and $3.50, respectively. Connecticut holds the 13th place on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.