The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Connecticut is $4.06, fourteen cents more than the national average of $3.91 and lawmakers today will be discussing capping the state's gas tax.
Democrats in the state legislature plan to introduce measures aimed at lowering gas prices and protecting consumers from profiteering and price gouging by oil wholesalers.
Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams and House Speaker Christopher Donovan said they'll be introducing the proposals on Wednesday and a vote is planned. They didn't say how much they think gas prices will drop if the legislation passes.
The proposals include capping the gross receipts tax on fuels when prices hit $3 a gallon, petroleum market scrutiny by state energy and consumer protection officials and strengthening laws against price gouging and profiteering. One measure would trigger price gouging investigations when wholesale prices increase by 15 percent or more within 90 days.
The legislation also institutes similar profiteering protections in regards to home heating oil.
“With the price of gasoline skyrocketing and the summer driving season around the corner, we are taking action to provide relief at the pump and protect consumers from price gouging,” Senate President Donald E. Williams Jr., a Democrat from Brooklyn, said.
Republicans also have a plan to cap the gross receipts tax.
Meanwhile, the American Automobile Association is lobbying in Washington for relief for drivers.
"Definitely, a national strategy is needed to address it and it's a long-term fix where we've got to reduce our dependence on foreign oil." Jim Hanni, of AAA, said.
A recent survey of AAA members showed that 80 percent of people who participated in the poll said they are changing their driving habits.
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Some are running fewer errands or scaling back on vacation.
To check for the lowest gas prices in your area, you can check the Web site HartfordGasPrices.com.
