Although statewide and national gas prices continue to register limited movement, market observers are eyeing Tropical Storm Laura whose potential to affect pump prices depends upon its strength when it hits land, says AAA Northeast.
Today, both national and statewide averages register $2.19 for a gallon of self-serve regular. Connecticut’s average remains the same as it was last week but is 59 cents lower than this time last year. The national gas price average also is the same as last week, but registers 41 cents cheaper than last year.
Meanwhile, all industry eyes are on Tropical Storm Laura, which is expected to twist into a hurricane Tuesday in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. To prepare, the industry has shuttered more than half of the crude oil production and evacuated 114 platforms in the Gulf.
“Although current national inventory supplies remain at healthy levels, supplies can tighten and in turn affect prices at the pump if platforms and rigs remain offline for an extended period,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Only time will tell.”
Today, 30 states have seen minor price fluctuations of a penny or less, while a few – primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region – saw significant jumps of a nickel or more, said Mayko.
As demand continues to dip, inventories are at their lowest level since the pandemic began. “These decreases typically lead to cheaper prices at the pump, but this summer we’ve seen atypical gas price trends,” she added.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $2.27 Lower Fairfield County: $2.27
New Haven/Meriden $2.16 Greater Hartford $2.16
New London/Norwich $2.20 Windham/Middlesex $2.21
Statewide Average: $2.19
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.84 and $1.86, respectively, while California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.23 and $3.20, respectively. Connecticut holds steady at the 20th spot on the list of states with the highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through wsww.gasprices.aaa.com.
