Gas Prices On The Rise In Essex, Chester and Deep River

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — If you've filled up your gas tank recently, you may have noticed that you are no longer getting the same bang for your buck you did weeks ago.

So what's going on?

Besides renewed supply and demand, due to people starting to travel once again, experts are also blaming arctic weather in Texas paralyzing refineries and oil production reductions, causing crude oil prices to rise, for the steep increase in gas prices.

According to a recent Eye Witness News 3 article, gas prices have risen 60 cents over last year's prices, with a hike of 30 cents in the last four weeks, and AAA in Connecticut has reported that the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $2.83. Nationwide, the numbers are a little higher coming in at $2.87 for a gallon of regular.

However, here in the towns of Essex, Chester and Deep River, the numbers are even more alarming. As of the evening of March 18, Cumberland Farms in Centerbrook was charging $2.99 per gallon for regular gas. The Shell Station in Centerbrook was charging $2.95 and the Cumberland Farms in Deep River was charging $2.92.

Unfortunately, things are not expected to get better anytime soon. The Eye Witness News 3 article reported that AAA expects gas prices to continue to rise and may be, over $3.00 a gallon by Labor Day.