Norwalk Drivers Feel Effects Of Rising Gas Prices

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk drivers are feeling the crunch as gas prices continue to climb. As of Monday, only four states in the continental U.S. have higher gas prices than Connecticut.

Currently, the national average for regular is $3.62 per gallon, which is 26 cents lower than Connecticut's average of $3.88. The average gas price in Connecticut has risen about six cents in the last week, and 23 cents in the last month. In Norwalk, prices at the pump are about $4 a gallon, according to Connecticut Gas Prices.

“It affects me being able to feed my child,” Jeffrey Lorrius said as he filled up at the Shell station on Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. Lorrius generally tries to fill up his car in upstate Connecticut, usually going to Milford. However, on Monday, he ran out of gas and had to push his car into the gas station.

Between driving to work and seeing his child, Lorrius drives a lot and finds that he usually has to fill up twice a week.

“It doesn’t surprise me that it’s so high. It’s Connecticut,” he said.

Reasons for the spike include tensions in the Middle East, the European economic crisis and rising prices for crude oil.

"Right now it's $80 a barrel for crude oil, and gas prices could possibly be higher around Labor Day," AAA spokesman Fran Mayko said.

Despite the rising prices, Mayko said that Connecticut's averages are 22 cents cheaper than they were a year ago this time.

"We're just coming off a steady decrease from the beginning of the summer, which is unusual," she said. "But whatever goes up must come down."

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