AAA reports gas price down an average of 7 cents in NY, while up 9 cents nationally
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is down about 7 in the state, AAA is reporting today.
The state has suspended its 4 percent sales tax share, beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Dec. 31.
AAA said the average price per gallon for regular unleaded is at $4.827 today, down from $4.934 on Wednesday. A week ago the average price was $4.930.
The average price for a gallon of diesel dropped from $6.450 on Wednesday to $6.363 today. A week the price was $6.495.
The price in the state is down while it has gone up an average of 9 cents nationally, AAA said.
The average price in Orleans is highest among the Western New York counties:
- Orleans, $4.782
- Genesee, $4.723
- Wyoming, $4.755
- Livingston, $4.731
- Niagara, $4.638
- Erie, $4.699
- Chautauqua, $4.611
- Cattaraugus, $4.589
- Allegany, $4.665
The highest price in the state is in Westchester County at $5.020. It’s the lowest in Cattaraugus at $4.589.
There are 62 counties in the state and 25 have voted to suspend the local sales tax when the price reaches either $2 or $3 a gallon.
Orleans County officials, at this point, have opted against waiving some of the local sales tax on gas.
Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, said the sales tax is needed for road maintenance and infrastructure.
“Given that the policy of the federal government is higher gas prices to reduce fossil fuel usage, it seems imprudent to reduce the local sales tax on gasoline,” Welch said. “Even if fossil fuel is reduced, we still need to maintain our roads, bridges and culverts within the county. When we compare those structures under the state’s stewardship, it seems that the state has some deferred maintenance to catch up on.”
He acknowledged the high gas prices are a financial strain.
“We understand this is a difficult time for our residents with this policy that is being followed by the federal government,” Welch said. “It seems that our responsibility is to maintain our roads, bridges and culverts so when all types of vehicles drive in our county, they will have a smooth traveling on the county’s infrastructure.”
If the federal government changes its policy, Welch said, “we will continue to evaluate the situation.”
