Gas prices up 4 cents in Orleans in past week

Gas prices are on the rise, AAA reports today, with the national price up an average of 6 cents to $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded. That’s the exact price from a year, AAA said.

In New York State, the average price is $3.47 today, which is up 2 cents from a week ago, but from $3.53 a year ago.

In Orleans County, AAA reports the average price is $3.42 today, up 4 cents from $3.38 a week ago.

Here are the average prices today in Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $3.421
• Genesee, $3.355
• Wyoming, $3.419
• Livingston, $3.441
• Monroe, $3.408
• Niagara, $3.343
• Erie, $3.396
• Chautauqua, $3.618
• Cattaraugus, $3.484
• Allegany, $3.511

AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “Oil prices have spiked recently due to renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East. Since the cost of oil accounts for roughly 60% of what motorists pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices at the pump nationally.

“According to recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), demand for gasoline rose last week, while supply decreased slightly. Higher demand and rising oil prices will likely nudge pump prices higher soon. However, the upward trend in gas prices is not unusual for this time of year, as many regions of the U.S. begin to transition to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents.

“Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.38, down two cents from a week ago.”