Rochester’s gas prices continue falling as gas tax relief nears an end

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester’s average gas price continues to fall but the gas tax relief that went into effect seven months ago will expire on December 31.

The average gas price in Rochester was $3.56 per gallon on Tuesday, an 8 cent drop from the previous week. In the weeks before that, prices dropped by 6 cents, 2 cents, 6 cents, then 2 cents.

Since June 1, New York State and Monore County have reduced the amount they collect in gas taxes to lower prices. The tax relief has aimed to save consumers a total of $0.28 per gallon at the pump – $0.16 at the county level and $0.12 at the state level.

With the tax relief nearing its end, lawmakers will have to decide whether to renew the deadline. We’ll keep you updated on whether any legislation is proposed to extend the tax relief.

Rochester has seen a trend of falling gas prices since mid-June, after prices hit an all-time record of $4.99 per gallon.

However, the national average has fallen much steeper than Rochester’s average. The national average on Tuesday landed at $3.12 per gallon after dropping by 14 cents from the previous week. Before that, prices fell by 14 cents, 15 cents, 11 cents, then 11 cents again.

Rochester prices were lower than the national average throughout all of September and much of October. However, the tides have turned. In the third week of October, the national average fell dramatically while Rochester’s prices climbed. Rochester hasn’t been below the national average since then.

The cheapest gas in Rochester this week was $2.99 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was 80 cents higher, found a GasBuddy’s survey. You can find the cheapest local stations through a link to GasBuddy.

Gas prices in Rochester were among the most expensive in upstate New York cities this week. Ithaca was the only city that had higher gas prices at $3.62 per gallon – beating Rochester’s average by 5 cents. Compared to Rochester, prices in Buffalo were 3 cents more expensive and prices in Syracuse were 7 cents more expensive. Batavia took the prize for the cheapest gas at $3.39 per gallon.

Rochester’s gas prices were also more expensive than New York State’s average, $3.49 per gallon.

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the past year because of rapid recovery from the pandemic increased the demand so high that supply couldn’t keep up. Europe’s restrictions on importing Russian oil also scrambled world oil prices, affecting the U.S. even though the U.S. imports very little Russian oil. 

Rochester’s prices are just slightly more expensive compared to last December while the state’s average is slightly cheaper compared to last December. You can explore gas price trends on the website for AAA.