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According to AAA Northeast, compared to last year, nationwide prices are 41 cents lower. In Connecticut, the state that has the 10th highest average in the nation because of taxes, strict environmental regulations, among other things, gas prices are averaging $2.18 per gallon, 62 cents lower than this time last year.
AAA’s weekly survey of prices in the state's four regional areas included: Greater Bridgeport/Stamford at $2.26, New Haven/Meriden at $2.18, Greater Hartford at $2.15, and New London/Norwich at $2.19 for a statewide average of $2.18 per gallon.
Gas prices have been on the decline for several reasons, according to AAA:
- First, there’s an enormous oil glut with more than enough supplies worldwide to meet current demand.
- Second, gas prices generally fall through early winter because people drive less this time of year so it’s likely prices will continue to decline over the coming weeks.
- Third, the price of crude oil, the driving force of prices at the pump, had dropped dramatically this year and is averaging between $35 and $40 a barrel.
As of Monday, 22 states have average prices under $2, with the lowest in Missouri and Oklahoma with $1.77, followed by South Carolina with $1.78. The highest prices are Hawaii and California with $2.73 and $2.72, respectively.
Nationally, more than two-thirds of U.S. stations are selling gas under $2 a gallon, and drivers can find at least one station selling gas for less than that price in 47 states. The most common price nationwide is $1.899 a gallon.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with 61 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey providing more than 5.1 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.
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