Connecticut’s average for gas breaks $3 mark

Connecticut’s average gas price broke the $3 mark Friday, well in advance of Memorial Day, according to a release from AAA Northeast.

Friday’s price was $3.01, 26 cents higher than last month and 51 cents higher than this time last year, according to the release.

The last time the state’s average hit $3 was on Dec. 14, 2014. In that year, however, prices were on the downslide after a high of $3.98 in early July.

With Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, average prices nationally are $2.84 but are expected to rise before month’s end.

President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran and withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is triggering price increases, according to the release.

In the U.S., one of the largest increases may be on crude oil prices, now at $70 a barrel. This will lead to increased gas prices because of consumer demand, AAA said in the release.

Of the 50 states, Connecticut has the 10th-highest average price in the nation. Contributing to the Nutmeg State’s higher prices are gas taxes, strict environmental regulations, zone pricing where prices increase as shipping distances increase, and distribution limitations, according to the release.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Connectcut’s gas prices are rising again.