31°
NEW CANAAN, Conn. Gas prices in New Canaan and across the state are once again reaching nation-high levels. But experts from AAA predict that fuel costs will drop soon.
Connecticuts gas prices were the highest in the continental U.S. as of Tuesday morning, according to data from AAA. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the state is $4.15, compared with a nationwide average of $3.85. Only Hawaii, at $4.40, has a higher per-gallon average.
The states average gas price has risen more than 16 cents per gallon in the past month and nearly 40 cents from the low point on July 1. But prices are still well shy of the states all-time high, a $4.39-per-gallon average recorded July 9, 2008, and have dropped a few cents in the past few days.
AAA expects the national average to decline in the coming months as demand drops off following the busy summer driving period, as refineries switch from summer-blend to less expensive winter-blend gasoline, and as hurricane season draws to a close, Michael Green, AAA media relations manager, wrote in his weekly update on gas prices.
Fairfield County is the hardest hit across the state, AAAs data says. The Bridgeport metropolitan area, which covers most of southwestern Connecticut, pays a current average of $4.23 per gallon, compared to 4.13 in Hartford, $4.13 in New Haven and $4.12 in the Norwich-New London area.
For bargain hunters, New Canaans lowest gas prices Tuesday afternoon were found at the New Canaan Gulf Station on South Avenue. It was selling regular unleaded for $4.19 a gallon, thanks to a promotion in which regular unleaded gas is 10 cents per gallon less on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Until prices drop, AAA also offers tips for drivers looking to save money on gas:
? Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and miles traveled. Find one area where you can take care of banking, grocery shopping and other errands.
? Slow down. The faster a vehicle travels, the more fuel it burns.
? Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. This wastes fuel, is harder on vehicle components and increases the odds of a crash.
? Lighten the load. Dont haul unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A heavier vehicle uses more gas.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.
