The average price of gas in Connecticut dropped 7 cents since last week to $3.28 on Tuesday, well below the national average of $3.81, according to AAA.
Without the suspension of the state’s 25-cent-per-gallon retail tax on gasoline, the average price in Connecticut would be $3.53. The tax holiday is currently set to expire Nov. 30, and was originally set to run from April 1 to June 30, but was extended as inflation and market disruptions caused fuel prices to spike.
Gas prices are continuing to rise on the West Coast, with an average price of $6.41 per gallon in California on Tuesday – up from $5.88 a week ago.
“The regional differences in gas prices are stark at the moment, with prices on the West Coast hitting $6 a gallon and higher, while Texas and Gulf Coast states have prices dipping below $3 in some areas.” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “At least six California refineries are undergoing maintenance, and there is limited pipeline supply to the West Coast from locations east of the Rockies.”
Hartford County had the lowest gas price in Connecticut with an average of $3.17. New Haven County was at $3.28 and Litchfield County was at $3.22.
The highest recorded average price in Connecticut was $4.98 for regular unleaded on June 14, and $6.44 for diesel on May 18.
The average price of $3.81 nationally is 61 cents higher than it was a year ago, and 6 cents higher than a week ago.