Ouch – we're paying 40 cents more per gal than last year

Average retail gasoline prices in Connecticut have risen 2.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.29/g as of Jan. 16, 2011.

Connecticut’s increase is considerably lower than the national average increase of 9 cents per gallon in the last week.

But our at-the-pump prices on average are much higher than the national average of $3.07/g, according to  ConnecticutGasPrices.com.

In Bozeman, Montana, they’re complaining about gas prices almost reaching $3. According to NBC Montana.com, the Rocky Mountain states are enjoying the lowest prices at the pump in the country. Utah, Colorado and Wyoming drivers have it best, their story states.

Some other (random) comparisons from GasBuddy.com:

• in Londonderry, New Hampshire, prices ranged from $3.03 to $3.15 as of Jan. 17

• in Hicksville, NY (really!) regular gas was $2.83 a gallon as of Jan. 16.

• in Dover, Delaware, the range was $3.08 to $3.13 as of Jan. 17

• in Veneta, Oregon gas prices ranged from $3.15 to $3.29 as of Jan. 17

• in Phoenix, Arizona, the range was $2.85 to $2.99 as of Jan. 17

For Connecticut, gas prices are now 8.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 40.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago, Jan. 17 2010.

The national average has increased 10.4 cents per gallon during the last month, and is 33.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

At the pump in HTNP.com areas

In the Willimantic area, gas prices ranged from $3.23 to $3.29 as of Sunday, Jan. 16.

In East Hampton, gas was $3.19 at Food Bag, as of Jan. 17.

In Coventry, prices ranged from $3.19 to $3.25

There were no gas prices available online for Columbia, Hebron, Mansfield/Storrs, East Haddam or Moodus, or Willington.

Volunteers are invited to submit their local gas prices at http://www.connecticutgasprices.com

Below, gas prices have had quite a roller coaster ride, but the general direction seems to be up. This graph tracking weekly automobile gas prices is  from U.S. Energy Information Administration.

From U.S. Energy Information Administration

Posted Jan. 18, 2011

Related links: “Gas prices nearing $3.00 across the state,” http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/26521700/detail.html

US Energy Information Administration – weekly gas prices and a history of gas prices from 1993 to present  http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_dcus_nus_w.htm

U.S. Department of Energy re: gas and oil prices http://www.energy.gov/pricestrends/index.htm