Gas prices in Connecticut have reached a decade-plus high after jumping 10 cents per gallon in a single day, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Friday, a gallon of gas in Connecticut averaged $4.07, a jump from $3.97 on Thursday. The last time gas prices reached four dollars per gallon was in August of 2008. The record high for gas prices in the state is $4.39 per gallon, just 32 cents higher than the current price.
The jump represents a 52 cent increase in price per gallon at the pump since February 5, and a 36 cent increase in price per gallon at the pump from February 27, just a week earlier.
The Connecticut Star reached out to Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05). Her fifth district has been hardest hit by rising gas prices.
The Star asked what the remedy was for climbing prices at the pump, but Hayes did not return a comment request.
Gas prices have been steadily rising under President Joe Biden’s administration, but appear to have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The United States imports about four percent of its crude oil from Russia – not much compared to major suppliers Canada and Saudi Arabia – but enough for Americans to feel the impact.
The Biden Administration has said it will not stop importing oil from Russia, despite calls from activists who oppose Russian aggression against its neighbor.
Former President Donald Trump was working towards American energy independence during his tenure in the White House.
His administration oversaw the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a massive oil pipeline meant to produce enough crude oil here at home for the United States to avoid having to rely on other countries.
Biden shut that project down on day one of his presidency, bending to far-left activists who said the pipeline was harmful to the environment and would contribute to climate change.
_ _ _
Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Connecticut Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
