CT Gas Prices Increase After Cyberattack On Colonial Pipeline

CONNECTICUT — Average gasoline prices across the state hit a high this week not seen since early May of 2019, according to AAA Northeast.

The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Connecticut hit $3.01 on Monday, The price rose 6 cents since last week, and is $1.09 cents higher than last year, according to AAA Notheast spokesperson Fran Mayko. The national average of $2.97 is 7 cents higher than last week and $1.13 higher than last year, and the most expensive it has been since November 2014.

Mayko said the shutdown of the Colonial pipeline is the latest factor pushing national gas prices higher, along with relaxed coronavirus restrictions, higher crude oil prices, and a pent-up demand to travel.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration declared an emergency in response to the "unanticipated shutdown" of the pipeline, which supplies gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products through from Texas to New York.

"This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices," said Mayko, "But the impact will vary regionally."

Actions taken by the federal government to issue a temporary hours of service exemption for motor carriers and drivers transporting refined products across Colonial’s footprint and actions taken by several governors to lift weight restrictions on tanker trucks should help alleviate local supply disruptions, according to a statement issued Tuesday by Colonial pipeline.