Gas Prices Lowest Since Great Recession: AAA

Drivers nationwide paid the lowest averages for the Christmas holiday since 2009, and pump prices continue to hover around the $2 benchmark, according to a press release from AAA.

• Add your zip code to the chart below to find the lowest gas prices in your area or other travel locations.

And despite prices moving higher by fractions of a penny on the week, today’s average price of $1.999 is the lowest for this date since the Great Recession, AAA noted. Consumers are saving five cents per gallon versus one month ago, and 30 cents per gallon versus this same date last year.

Connecticut’s Gas Prices

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the average price for a gallon of unleaded in Connecticut is $2.16 and, though that is higher than the national average, Connecticut is among the top five states seeing the greatest savings year over year — with gas 55 cents a gallon lower than it was on this date last year.

Leading into 2016, the national average is expected to continue to slide because supply should continue to outpace demand. Gas prices typically fall during this time of year as demand for gasoline decreases, and many motorists will remember the fourth quarter of 2014 when pump averages tumbled from $3.33 on October 1 to $2.26 on New Year’s Eve.

The majority of states (32) are posting averages below $2 per gallon. Consumers in Missouri ($1.70) and Kansas ($1.75) are paying the nation’s lowest averages for retail gasoline and are joined by an additional 16 states with averages below $1.90 per gallon. On the heels of lingering refinery issues, California ($2.83) surpassed Hawaii ($2.69) as the nation’s most expensive market for gasoline.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

(Photo by futureatlas.com, via flickr creative commons)