One More Gift!!

CT Gas Prices Drop to Lowest of the Year

HARTFORD, CT (December 27, 2018) –  Even though Christmas has passed, Connecticut drivers are waking up this morning to a gift they’ve been waiting for all year! Overnight, the average price of gas dropped to $2.65 for a gallon of regular unleaded - the lowest it's been all year... and down 50 cents from its high of $3.15 at the beginning of the summer.

At $2.65, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is 18 cents lower than a month ago and just one penny more than it was last year on this date.

“This year, Connecticut drivers have seen the highest pump prices since 2014, so it’s nice to wrap up the year with prices falling," says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Better late than never!”

Despite the good news, Connecticut remains among the top ten most expensive states for gas (eighth).

As usual, gas prices vary by region:

Bridgeport                               $2.74

Hartford                                   $2.57

New Haven/Meriden               $2.67

New London/Norwich              $2.68

Nationwide

The average price of gas across the country today is $2.30, that's down 6 cents on the week, 24 cents less than a month ago and 16 cents less than on this same date last year.

Nationally, gas prices reached a new low for 2018 earlier in the month.

Highest Average – Hawaii - $3.41
Lowest Average - Missouri - $1.87

Looking Ahead

According to the latest weekly report from the Energy Information Administration, total domestic crude inventories took a slight step back last week. But, when compared to last year at this time, combined inventories across the country are still 5 million bbl higher this year so gas prices should continue to fall through the end of the year.

However, earlier this month, OPEC and Russia announced that beginning in 2019, they will reduce crude production by 1.2 million b/d (for an initial six month period) to help balance global supply. This move could drive crude oil prices up, and in turn drive gas prices higher in the new year.

Winter Fuel & Driving Tips

As you hit the road this winter, AAA offers these tips to help conserve fuel and keep motorists safe:

• If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel. Also, parking your car in a garage will help it stay warm.
• As a precaution, keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. It helps to reduce condensation in the fuel system. It also helps ensure an adequate reserve of fuel to run the engine for heat should your car become disabled in a remote location.
• Be sure to pack an emergency roadside kit in your car containing a mobile phone and car charger, first-aid kit, blankets, drinking water and snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic toolkit, warning flares, an ice scraper, jumper cables and a shovel.

Motorists can find current gas prices at GasPrices.AAA.com and along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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