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Westport Gas Prices Continue To Increase

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – Gasoline prices have been rising in Fairfield County over the past several weeks, and it could be a while before they begin to ease, according to AAA of Southern New England.

Fairfield County gas prices have risen significantly over the past month, according to AAA.

Fairfield County gas prices have risen significantly over the past month, according to AAA.

Photo Credit: Alfred Branch

Prices at several Stamford and Greenwich stations are currently well above $4 per gallon, and for the Bridgeport region, which encompasses lower Fairfield County, the average price for unleaded regular was $4.07 as of Wednesday, according to AAA.

One month ago, unleaded regular was selling for an average price of $3.79 in the region.

Statewide, the average price for unleaded regular was $3.98, according to AAA. One month ago, the average price was $0.31 lower at $3.67.

Fran Mayko, public affairs director for Southern New England AAA, said gas prices are always higher in the county than the rest of the state. “Fairfield County is perceived by gasoline companies as an area that can afford higher prices.”

Prices are climbing, in part, because the cost of crude oil, which provides the base material for gasoline, jumped above $95 per barrel, and refineries are switching to summer blend gasoline, which has temporarily decreased overall supply, Mayko said.

She does not anticipate much of a drop anytime soon and added that prices will likely rise again over the summer because Connecticut will increase its gasoline gross receipt taxes, which taxes supplies by the gallon. The tax is currently 7.53 percent, but will climb to 8.1 percent on July 1.

“It also costs more to get oil and gasoline to us in Connecticut because of where we’re located,” said Mayko.

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