AAA: Gas keep spiking as diesel hits new high
Connecticut gas prices have risen almost back to the record-setting high in March, according to AAA, while prices for diesel have climbed well over $6 a gallon.
On average, state drivers are now paying $4.32 for a gallon for regular gas as of Monday, AAA Northeast said, up 19 cents from last week. The average sits just 19 cents below the record setting high of $4.49 the state reached on March 11.
Broken down by region, drivers in the the greater Bridgeport region and lower Fairfield County area can expect to pay around $4.38 a gallon, according to AAA. In the New Haven and Meriden region, expect to pay around $4.28. In the greater Hartford area, the average price is around $4.30, while the New London-Norwich region and Windham-Middlesex region are at $4.33 and $4.34 per-gallon respectively.
The continued rise in prices comes in spite of Connecticut suspending its gas tax in response to high gas prices brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
“As the cost of crude closes in on $110 a barrel, drivers are paying more at the pump — a lot more,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Statewide, the price of diesel is at $6.29 a gallon on average in Connecticut, higher than the national average of $5.54. AAA also pointed to an impending ban on Russian oil imports, and the start of the summer driving season as reasons for higher prices at the pump.
“We’re on the cusp of the summer drive season, Memorial Day is just a few weeks away, we’re heading into hurricane season and we’re converting to the more expensive summer blends,” said Mayko.
Connecticut ranks 22nd on AAA’s list of high gas prices. Georgia is at the bottom, with an average price of $3.84 for a gallon of gas, while California ranks highest, at $5.83 per gallon.