The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
AAA: Gas price hits record high in Conn.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Connecticut has reached a new record-setting high Monday, several weeks after the suspension of the state gas tax earlier this spring.
Data from AAA Northeast showed the average price for a gallon of gas now stands at $4.54 in Connecticut, breaking the previous record of $4.49 on March 11. Monday’s price reflects a 22 cent increase from the week prior and a 64 cent increase over the past month.
Nationally, the average price is $4.48 for a gallon of self-serve regular— an increase of 15 cents over the week prior and 41 cents over the prior month, according to AAA.
“The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers,” said Alec Slatky, director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast, in a statement. “Even the annual seasonal demand dip for gasoline during the lull between spring break and Memorial Day, which would normally help lower prices, is having no effect this year.”
State lawmakers suspended the state’s gas tax of 25 cents per gallon on April 1. The halt on fuel taxes is supposed to last through the end of June, with the attorney general’s office vowing to pursue complaints of consumer price-gouging while the tax is suspended.
AAA said oil prices could be impacted this week by talks among European Union countries over plans to halt imports of Russian oil over the war in Ukraine. Hungary has so far held out on the plan, but Germany plans to stop importing Russian oil by the end of the year.
AAA also pointed to lockdowns in China, which could cut demand for fuel.
But the U.S. is also nearing Memorial Day Weekend and the traditional start of the summer driving season, which could see a surge in demand for gas.
By metro area, gas costs on average $4.59 per-gallon in the greater-Bridgeport area, $4.60 in lower Fairfield County, $4.51 in the New Haven-Meriden region, $4.53 in the greater Hartford area, $4.54 in the New London-Norwich area, and $4.56 in the Windham Middlesex area, according to AAA Northeast.
Nationally, Kansas drivers should see the lowest gas prices at $3.99 on average. Connecticut ranks 17th in the nation, with California claiming the most expensive gas prices at $5.32 on average.