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New York gas prices are among the highest in the nation, with motorists paying an average of $3.90 per regular gallon, compared to the national average of $3.70. The only states in the continental United States paying more on gas are California ($4.04) and Connecticut ($4.00). Local gas prices ranged from as low as $3,95 (cash) for regular at the Getty Stations in Dobbs Ferry and Ardsley to an area high of $4.59 a gallon for premium at several stations in Rivertowns and Greenburgh. "I use only premium gas, so I pay the highest prices and I notice the increases," said Dobbs Ferry resident Linda Perini as she filled her tank at the Ardsley Shell station. "I usually get gas at Hess and I use my Stop & Shop card for a discount." Since July 11, the average price of gas has risen 18 cents nationally and is up nine cents from a month ago. Prices are up 28 cents nationally from where they sat a year ago. Robert Sinclair, the media relations manager for AAA New York, said that a conflict overseas is one of the key factors in the sudden and unexpected spike in gas prices. “First and foremost, it’s the Egyptian situation that had led to the price of crude oil ramping up, really without justification,” he said. “This is just further evidence of a ‘fear tax,’ the worry that the Egypt problem could spread and oil production in the Middle East might be interrupted.” The price of crude oil has risen above $100 per barrel for the first time since March 2012, Sinclair said. As recently as 2000, that price stood at just $28 per barrel, which has been a factor in the ever-rising cost of fuel. “It’s a volatile market. Unforeseen events, in addition to the price of crude oil spiking, makes things even more volatile,” he said. “We’re seeing swings as wide as 50 or 60 cents per gallon in a given year, these are things that didn’t happen before.” Perini said she also noticed that New York prices are among the nation's highest. "We have a student at Clemson University (South Carolina) and I always notice how much cheaper gas is there and outside New York," Perini said. "Prices always seem to go up in the summer." There may be no relief in sight for drivers, as there are still several months until refineries switch from the eco-friendly summer blend of fuel to the cheaper winter blend in September or October. For an up-to-the-minute list of gas prices in the area, log on to the New York gas prices website.
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