As crude oil prices bob around $85 a barrel, they’ve buoyed average gas prices on the national and statewide levels, says AAA Northeast.
Today, the national average for a gallon of self-serve regular is 3 cents higher than last week, while Connecticut’s average gas price of $3.50 is only a penny higher.
A steady rise in crude oil prices has prevented any price drops at the pump despite lower demand and higher supplies during the winter drive season, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“As long as oil prices remain elevated, we’re going to continue to feel the pinch at the pump,” Mayko said.
In early January, national gas prices averaged $3.28 and has risen slowly to today’s price. On the state level, however, Connecticut’s average continues to hover around the $3.49 mark.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.58 Lower Fairfield County $3.55
New Haven/Meriden $3.49 Greater Hartford $3.46
New London/Norwich $3.48 Windham/Middlesex $3.50
Statewide Average: $3.50
Today, Kentucky registers the lowest prices in the nation at $2.97, followed by Mississippi at $2.98. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.64 and $4.36, respectively. Connecticut moved to the 12th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.