NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — According to AAA, Connecticut's average price for a gallon of regular gas is nearly $4.50 as of Friday morning, which makes our state the most expensive east of Illinois. But some consumers are finding it significantly cheaper than that at one North Haven station.
Prices check in at $4.09 per gallon, cash or credit, for regular here at The RoadRunners, on Hartford Turnpike, which is listed as a Citgo station on the GasBuddy app. That's the lowest in the greater New Haven area.
The owner said he has definitely noticed new customers since prices have surged.
But still, there is pain at the pump.
"It's ridiculous," said Chris Smith, an Uber driver from Wallingford. "$39, $40. Last week it was $40. Every Friday it's $40."
That's if he doesn't drive for Uber. Many folks we spoke with drive a lot.
"I’m all over Connecticut," said Rob Squeglia of Wallingford. "I do real estate and yeah this is (The RoadRunners station) like my little spot. I come here fill it up. Don’t let everyone know about this hidden secret."
But with gas apps like GasBuddy, these gems are bound to be found.
"This gentleman stays low because he's out in the outskirts and he needs to attract people here to the business," said Mark Genovese of North Haven.
Some are taking the time to shop for gas.
"Yes. Absolutely. I'm unemployed at the moment and it's extremely hard for me because I do DoorDash," said Shelby Naples of Wallingford.
And she says even without full-time working and higher gas prices she tries to work for DoorDash more.
"Because if you are doing it right then your tips should always make up for it," said Naples.
"It's devastating," said Glen Carney of Wallingford as he filled up.
He and his wife are staying home more.
"This is the only vehicle we have so it's back-and-forth to work and it's 28 miles each way," Carney commented.
With work and around town he said he's filling three to four times a week, which is a ton more expensive than a year ago.
"I'm looking at $20-$25 extra every time I fill up," Carney said.
"Things are looking pretty bleak," said Anthony Bove of Brooklyn, NY.
He's among those out-of-state travelers that were trying to avoid paying the $4.53 a gallon along I-95 in Branford.
"After a week or two or three the bills start to add up and you're like OK maybe I don't have a little extra slush fund," Bove said.
He's fastening his seat belt.
"Yeah, it's going to affect everything right? In a couple of weeks, if prices don't go down come up then we've gotta start cutting back. Now all of a sudden we're not spending money as much in stores," said Bove.
But, some say they look at the bigger picture.
"I'm actually happy to pay it if it helps Ukraine I have no problem," said Jonathan Meyer, who lives in New York City. "I have no problem paying a little more for my gas."
FOX61 News has found a resource for residents who don’t want to drive all around town, trying to find which stations have the best or worst price. Try using this Gas Buddy Tracker to find out where the shortages are. Just search for your zip code, and it will list which stations have fuel.
Tony Terzi is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tterzi@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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