Rochester’s gas prices inch closer to $5 a gallon

Evan Bourtis

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ROCHESTER N.Y. (WHEC) — Average gas prices in Rochester set a new record high on Sunday and are inching closer to $5 a gallon, reported AAA.

Rochester’s gas prices averaged at $4.88 per gallon, a jump of 18 cents compared to last week, when the city also set a record high. Sunday’s price is $1.9 higher than in May of 2021.

Gas prices in Rochester finished the weekend higher than in Buffalo, Syracuse, Batavia, and Ithaca. All of those cities also saw an increase by at least 17 cents.

New York State also set a record for prices, averaging at $4.93 on Monday. That’s an increase of 17 cents from last week and an increase of $1.86 compared to a year ago.

All of those numbers are for regular gas. For diesel, Rochester also set an all-time record at $6.33 per gallon on Tuesday. Local diesel prices have increased by 11 cents compared to last week.

An extremely short supply and high demand for gas prices are contributing to the surge, along with other factors. AAA said the rise in gas prices during this time of year is typical as refineries switch to the summer blend of gasoline and geopolitical issues around the world are also to blame.

Starting June 1, New York State will eliminate its 16-cent gas tax and Monroe County will reduce its gas tax by 8 cents. The aim of the policy is to reduce gas prices by 24 cents or more.

You can explore gas price trends locally and across the country on the website for AAA.

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