Gas prices edge slightly higher as winter drags on

The national average price for a gallon of fuel here in the U.S. was $3.14 Monday morning, up slightly from last week’s average of $3.10, but down from last-year’s average of $3.47, according to the AAA.

Meanwhile, New York’s average pump price is $3.27, which is nearly identical to last-week’s average and cheaper than the $3.56 average last-year.

A month ago, the average state price was $3.33. Furthermore, the AAA claims this latest upward trend is likely a combination of oil costs edging into the upper $70's per barrel and normal seasonal increases as winter eases and demand for gas creeps higher.

“We are in that time of year where pump prices begin to heat up, usually peaking around July,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson.

“But unless something shocks the global oil market and causes prices to spike, the national average for a gallon of gas will probably stagger higher, with some flat days or even small price dips along the way.”

Locally, gas prices in the Lowville, NY area are ranging as low as $3.39 and $3.43 in Boonville, NY as of this report, all according to GasBuddy.

Meanwhile, reports from GasBuddy also suggest pump prices ranging upwards of $3.79 in Old Forge, NY and as low as $3.32 in Rome, NY.

Some of the cheapest gas prices recently, within the North County region, have been up in the Watertown, NY area, with some as low as $2.89, according to GasBuddy.

Finally, in the Utica, NY region, GasBuddy has sourced pump prices as low as $3.17.

AAA image.