Gas Prices Up 27 Cents

WEST HARTFORD (AP) -— Gasoline prices in Connecticut have jumped an average of 27 cents per gallon in the past month, according to the latest AAA survey. The 9 percent increase raised the cost of a gallon of regular unleaded from $2.89 in April to $3.16, giving Connecticut the highest prices in the Northeast, the AAA said.

New York had the second highest price at $3.12, while New Jersey had the lowest at $2.85. The national average is $3.04 per gallon. The automobile association surveys about 1,000 self-service stations in Connecticut and more than 60,000 across the country daily to determine average prices.

Governor M. Jodi Rell has called for a cap on the state’s wholesale gasoline tax to ease the price pressures at the pump. Industry experts said the cap, which would go into effect whenever wholesale prices reach $1.75 per gallon, could save motorists as much as 5 cents a gallon at the pump.

Democrats, who control the legislature, have criticized the plan, saying it would jeopardize funding for projects in the state’s transportation plan.