Connecticut gas prices have continued to climb and set a state record on Wednesday, averaging $4.65 per gallon and $6.44 per gallon for diesel.
For comparison, the average price throughout the state was $3.067 per gallon one year ago. Diesel sat at $3.230 per gallon.
With oil trading near $110 per barrel, consumers across the country can expect the prices to remain high, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
“The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Even the annual seasonal demand dip for gasoline during the lull between spring break and Memorial Day, which would normally help lower prices, is having no effect this year.”
The record numbers come despite an effort by Governor Ned Lamont and a bipartisan group of state lawmakers to reduce the price burden on consumers. Earlier this year, the group enacted a state gas tax suspension.
“We’re the third state in the country to get this gas tax relief right to folks at the pump. And along the way we’re going to provide free bus service for all of our bus-taking folks. I hope that makes a big difference in people’s lives,” Lamont said when signing the legislation.
However, as previously reported by The Connecticut Star, an analysis from the center-right Yankee Institute (YI) demonstrated that the tax break impact has been diminishing. The report looked at prices in the state compared to Massachusetts.
“The gimmicky gas tax cut adopted unanimously by the General Assembly in March, and extended to December 1 as part of the state budget, may be delivering less savings than promised,” Ken Girardin, YI director of policy and research, wrote in Saturday’s policy brief.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Connecticut Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
