County goes on record against zone pricing for gas

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 December 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The price at the Kwik Fill in Albion is $2.27 for unleaded today. Gas is cheaper at many stations outside Orleans County.

ALBION – Orleans County legislators say gas prices can sometimes be 30 cents more per gallon in Orleans, compared to neighboring counties, hurting businesses and residents in the community.

County officials have railed against the high prices before, which are attributed to “zone pricing,” according to a report from the Attorney General’s Office. The AG said in 2011 that no laws are being broken due to higher prices in some counties.

The County Legislature is asking Gov. Cuomo and the State Legislature to pass a law making it illegal for zone pricing and other artificial changes in fuel prices.

The State Assembly has already passed a bill, A.00103, targeting zone pricing and the State Senate is considering the issue with bill, S00332.

“It’s imperative that we level the playing field for our businesses in Orleans County,” County Legislator Ken DeRoller, R-Kendall, said on Wednesday during the Legislature meeting.

The national average for gas prices today is $2.007, according to AAA. That is the lowest price since 2009.

In New York State, the average price is $2.272 per gallon, AAA reported today. In New York City, the average price per gallon is $2.37. in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls region it’s $2.24. Gas gets cheaper moving east with an average price of $2.20 in Rochester and $2.13 in Syracuse.