Gas prices continue to soar in Connecticut. In just one day, the average price of gas in the state jumped more than 10 cents a gallon and people are feeling the pinch.
“My eyeballs are popping out of my head,” said Tina Millette of Uncasville, as she gassed up in Groton.
Kelly Duncan shared a similar shock when she stopped at a gas station in Preston.
“I don’t know how they expect people to make ends meet,” said Duncan.
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According to AAA, the average price of gas in CT Saturday was $4.07 a gallon, compared to a national average of $3.92 a gallon.
Just a day earlier, the state average was $3.97 a gallon and the national average was $3.82 a gallon, according to AAA.
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Many gas stations in Connecticut had already passed $4 a gallon Friday.
Jordon Smith was gassing up in Preston. He paid in cash, $4.09 a gallon, to avoid paying the credit rate of $4.15 a gallon.
According to experts, gas prices have already been high recently because of increased demand. Now, with the unrest in Ukraine and the uncertainty around Russia’s oil supply, the price of crude oil is skyrocketing.
AAA reports that at close of business Friday, the price of crude oil was $115.68 per barrel.
“About every $10 of crude gives you another 20 cents of paying at the pump,” said Leah Hartman, the finance program coordinator at the University of New Haven.
To save money at the pump, experts say people should shop around for the best prices. Apps like Gas Buddy help you compare prices in the area.
"It may be a mile distance, a little longer, it may not be your regular one," said Hartman. “But if you can save ten to 20 cents a gallon, that's meaningful when you are filling up 15 gallons to a car."
More tips include consolidating trips, carpooling and keeping your tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage.
“We will just have to figure out how to budget for it at least for the coming six to nine months,” said Hartman.
