Connecticut's Average Gas Price Takes A U-Turn, Rises To $1.95 A Gallon

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — In a classic case of supply and demand, Connecticut drivers are seeing a steady increase in the average price of gas at pump after enjoying lower prices for more than a year, according to AAA.

Gas prices have dropped substantially in recent years across Connecticut.
Photo Credit: *Anthony Buzzeo/File*

Gas prices may be on the rise this week in Connecticut, but they are much lower than in recent years.
Photo Credit: *AAA Northeast*

Daily Voice

03/14/2016 12:33 p.m.

Within the past two weeks, motorists here and nationally have seen gas prices make a U-turn — but the price spike was not unexpected, said AAA Northeast spokesman Fran Mayko.

Monday’s average Connecticut price of $1.95 a gallon is up 9 cents compared with this time last week and up 2 cents compared with a month ago, Mayko said. But there's good news: Prices are down 59 cents from a year ago.

AAA’s weekly survey of prices in Connecticut's four regions are as follows:

Greater Bridgeport/Stamford: $2.33 per gallon
New Haven/Meriden: $1.92 per gallon
Greater Hartford: $1.92 per gallon
New London/Norwich: $1.94 per gallon
Statewide Average: $1.95 per gallon

Nationally, the average price of $1.94 a gallon is up 13 cents compared with this time last week; and up 24 cents compared with a month ago. Compared to last year, however, average prices are down about 50 cents.

California at $2.59 a gallon and Hawaii at $2.55 continue to lead the pack of states with the highest average prices. New Jersey at $1.29 per gallon and South Carolina at $1.94 are the states with the lowest prices. Connecticut has dropped to 19th place from 15th in terms of highest gas prices in the nation, AAA said.

Prices are starting to increase because many refineries are off-line for summer maintenance. They’re also preparing for the production of the more expensive, environmentally friendly summer blends, AAA said.

When refineries are off-line, there’s less gas in the pipeline. Couple lower production with the increased price of crude oil – the driving force of prices at the pump – to about $38 a barrel; and the start of the summer drive season, you have a bump at the pump.

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