In poetry, it’s been said “April is the cruelest month.” But for drivers, it’s July! That’s because average gas prices have increased 13 cents over the last four months.
Today’s national average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.17, 2 cents higher than last week and 97 cents higher than last year, while in Connecticut, it’s $3.16, a penny higher than last week and 95 cents higher than last year.
Several factors continue to push state and national averages higher this summer: first, crude oil prices are high and have fluctuated between $71 and $75 a barrel; and second, demand continues to increase as Americans satisfy their desire to travel, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“It’s been a cruel summer so far at the pump with prices showing little signs of relief,” said Mayko. “Despite pump increases though, higher prices aren’t stopping drivers from filling up. Demand continues to be strong this summer.”
What may lower prices, however, is the recent OPEC agreement to increase production next month, an action that expects to push crude prices below $70 a barrel. “Despite this, however, we do expect to see high pump prices for the rest of the summer,” added Mayko.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.24 Lower Fairfield County $3.23
New Haven/Meriden $3.14 Greater Hartford $3.12
New London/Norwich $3.19 Windham/Middlesex $3.16
Statewide Average: $3.16
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.78 and $2.82, respectively. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.32 and $4.07, respectively. Connecticut moved to the 18th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.