Connecticut Drivers Paying Almost a Dollar More than One Year Ago

State gas average up 3 cents on the week

HARTFORD, CT (August 6, 2021) Drivers in Connecticut are paying an average of three cents more than just one week ago and almost a dollar more than this time last year. In its latest weekly report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that gas demand increased – a demand reading very robust for peak driving season, but 2% higher than the same time period in 2019. Additionally, total domestic gas stocks declined. These trends, combined with high crude prices, have helped to increase pump prices. As crude prices remain high, though back below $70 per barrel, AAA expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer.

“Connecticut’s gas average is 99 cents higher than one year ago and has risen three cents in the last week,” said Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA Greater Hartford. “Although crude oil prices have fluctuated this week, gasoline demand has increased as we move into the final weeks of the summer driving season, which could keep the pressure on higher prices both nationally and in Connecticut.”

On the week, the national average increased by two cents to $3.18. Today’s average is a nickel more than a month ago and $1 more than a year ago.

In Connecticut, the average price of gas is now $3.18, up 3 cents on the week, up five cents since last month, and up 99 cents higher than last year on this date.

After dropping below $70, crude oil prices increased on Thursday due to tension in the Middle East, which heightened after Israeli military jets struck alleged rocket launch sites in Lebanon. The price increase comes after crude prices declined for three days due to market concerns about the impact of rising global COVID-19 infection rates on crude demand. Crude prices also declined after EIA’s latest report showed that total domestic crude stocks increased last week.

As usual, the price of gas across CT varies by region:

Bridgeport - $3.25, up 2 cents since last week
Hartford - $3.14, up 3 cents since last week
New Haven/Meriden - $3.14, up 2 cents since last week
Norwich/New London - $3.21, up 3 cents since last week

Provide Connecticut drivers with the latest gas prices by adding this link to the front page of your website: GasPrices.AAA.com