NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)– Gas prices are going back up all across the country after falling to the lowest point in more than seven years.
The national average is $2.04. In the state of Connecticut, the average cost of a gallon of gas is a little bit higher at $2.15.
So why are Connecticut’s gas prices rising faster than other locations across the nation? You’ve probably noticed prices have slowly gone up over the past 6 to 8 weeks. They went up about 30 cents last month. Demand is starting to increase, since we’re on the cusp of the summer driving season.
Many refineries are also offline and getting ready to produce the more expensive summer blend. Filling up can be especially hard on your wallet in Connecticut because of the high gas taxes. Add high distribution costs and strict environmental regulations that some other states don’t have and that equals higher prices.
How much you pay at the pump may depend on where in Connecticut you’re filling up. That’s because of what’s called zone pricing, which is pricing based on what the market will bear.
“For example, down in Fairfield County where the perception is people can afford higher prices, average gas prices are higher,” said Fran Mayko, Spokesperson, AAA northeast.
Experts say gas prices are the highest they’ve been in 5 months – and that’s everywhere. Prices are expected to rise another 15 cents by this summer.
“Compared to the prior month, prices are going to be higher but compared to last year they are still going to be a little bit lower,” said Mayko.
Quite a bit lower. Gas is more than 30 cents cheaper than it was last April. Still, Connecticut is the tenth most expensive state to fill up in.
