Health & Fitness
Connecticut Starts February with Higher Gas Prices
Pump prices likely to move higher in the weeks ahead.
Connecticut began 2013 with a three-percent increase in the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline during January. The statewide average price today is $3.79—the fourth most expensive in the nation, behind New York ($3.82), California ($3.82) and Hawaii ($4.13). This represents an increase of 10.5 cents in the past week and 11 cents in the past month. Connecticut motorists are paying three cents more per gallon than at this time last year.
Drivers in the Northeast continue to pay among the highest prices in the continental U.S. because local production and supplies still have not recovered from Hurricane Sandy. Higher than average state gasoline taxes also contribute to higher prices in the region.
Here’s the breakdown of local gas prices today compared to one month ago:
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February 1st January 1st Percent Increase Connecticut Average $3.79 $3.68 3.02% Hartford Metro Area $3.77 $3.65 3.35% New Haven-Meriden Area $3.77 $3.66 3.2% New London-Norwich Area $3.77 $3.62 3.97% Bridgeport Metro Area $3.87 $3.80 1.92%
Gasoline prices in the Northeast will remain among the highest in the country following the planned closure this month of Hess’ Port Reading, N.J. refinery, which accounts for 7.5 percent of Northeast gasoline production. The closure of this refinery further reduces production in the region, which means that a larger percentage of gasoline will be supplied by Gulf Coast, Midwest and overseas refineries. The reduction in refinery production places Northeastern motorists at increased risk of price spikes this year if refinery or pipeline disruptions strike the region.
