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New York gas prices are among the highest in the nation, with motorists paying an average of $3.90 per regular gallon, compared to the national average of $3.70. The only states in the continental United States paying more on gas are California ($4.04) and Connecticut ($4.00).
Since July 11, the average price of gas has risen 18 cents nationally. Prices are up 28 cents nationally from where they were a year ago.
Robert Sinclair, the media relations manager for AAA New York, said that a conflict overseas is one of the key factors in the sudden and unexpected spike in gas prices.
“First and foremost, it’s the Egyptian situation that had led to the price of crude oil ramping up, really without justification,” he said. “This is just further evidence of a ‘fear tax,’ the worry that the Egypt problem could spread and oil production in the Middle East might be interrupted.”
The price of crude oil has risen above $100 per barrel for the first time since March 2012, Sinclair said. As recently as 2000, that price stood at just $28 per barrel, which has been a factor in the ever-rising cost of fuel.
“It’s a volatile market. Unforeseen events, in addition to the price of crude oil spiking, makes things even more volatile,” he said. “We’re seeing swings as wide as 50 or 60 cents per gallon in a given year, these are things that didn’t happen before.”
According to NewYorkGasPrices.com, the cheapest gas in Port Chester can be found at the Citgo on the corner of Midland Avenue and Fawcett Street, where it costs $3.93 per gallon for regular and $4.19 for premium. In Rye, the Gulf station at the corner of Boston Post Road and Orchard Avenue sells regular for $3.98 per gallon and premium for $4.22. In Harrison, the Citgo station on the corner of Halstead Avenue and West Street sells regular for $4.09 per gallon and premium for $4.39 per gallon.
There may be no relief in sight for drivers, as there are still several months until refineries switch from the eco-friendly summer blend of fuel to the cheaper winter blend in September or October.
"I don't think I've ever seen gas prices go down since I got my license," said Josh Raider of Rye Brook, who has been driving for four years. As he filled up at the Mobil station on King Street in Port Chester, where gas was $3.99 per gallon, he said that the high price of filling up the tank make him consider other transportation options.
"I try to carpool whenever I can, or walk when that's an option," he said. "Sometimes I'll take public transportation if I'm going a long distance. And whenever I go out I usually try to get as much done as I can so I only have to take one trip."
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