AAA: Tight supply and fluctuating oil prices may cause slight increase for gas prices

After nearly 100 straight days of fluctuating fuel prices, the national average increased for the first time.

It was only by a penny, but the AAA says the reason can be pinned, in part, to planned and unplanned maintenance work at refineries on the West Coast and Midwest. 

Although gasoline demand has decreased, tight supply and fluctuating oil prices have increased the national average. However, the AAA says if gas demand remains low and continues to drop, pump price increases will likely be minimized as supply increases.

"And right now in New York State we are not paying tax, but that will end in December," said Patti Artessa, AAA Northeast Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs.

"So in December, you'll see an increase again." 

Listen to our latest on-air report with Patti Artessa here:

It was only a month ago when North Country people were paying some of the highest gas prices, not just in New York, but around the country. In August, local gas prices were $4.60 and up, but since have been on the downslope since they peaked just north of $5 this summer. 

As of this report, the AAA says the national average cost for a gallon of fuel is $3.68. Meanwhile here in New York, average prices are $3.71. 

In Lowville, NY, prices were as low as $3.79 as of Thursday and only a few cents higher in Boonville, NY.

Image courtesy via the AAA.