Another Nickel a Gallon for Gas in CT, But Prices Are Going Down, AAA Says

Connecticut drivers today are seeing the fifth and final nickel increase in fuel taxes as the state ends its incremental tax phase-in at the pump, says AAA Northeast.

— an announcement from AAA Northeast

The nickel increase began January 1, ends this month, and has finally reached the full 25-cent a gallon tax.

 Despite the tax increase, today’s statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.58, a penny lower compared to last week. Today’s average is also 54 cents lower than last year.

Because of the tax increase, the Nutmeg State has moved up three spots to the 15^th place on the list of the highest gas prices in the nation.

On the national level, the $3.61 average is 6 cents less than last week and 58 cents less than last year.

Lower crude oil prices are pushing prices lower at the pump.

“The national average may have peaked at $3.68 more than a week ago,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “So as long as the cost of oil continues to wobble between the low and mid-$70 a barrel, drivers will continue to benefit when they fuel up.”

Demand spiked last week while domestic supplies dropped, a situation that typically pushes pump prices higher. “But the wild card here is fluctuating crude oil that’s prompting lower prices at the pump.”

Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:

Currently, Mississippi registers the lowest prices in the nation at $3.08, followed by Texas at $3.17. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.87 and $4.78, respectively.

Average gas prices may be obtained daily through GasPrices.AAA.com.