Gas prices fall in N.Y., but U.S. average rises

The average retail price of gasoline in New York state fell 0.3 cents per gallon last week to settle at $2.63 on Sunday.

The national average, however, was up a penny per gallon to $2.43, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

“The Great Lakes has seen a flurry of gas price increases over the last week as several refinery issues have surfaces, pulling the national average up nearly single-handedly,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “Without such ill-timed disruptions, we’d see a plentiful portion of falling pump prices, but now the bitter taste of rising prices during the holiday lingers for many.

Looking ahead, DeHaan said, “with the new year set to roll in accompanied by a strong cold front, I’d expect gasoline demand to weaken, thus softening the outlook for gas prices in the weeks ahead and eventually delivering lower gas prices.”

New York state’s average gas price Sunday was 4.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago but 17.7 cents

“With the new year set to roll in accompanied by a strong cold front, I’d expect gasoline demand to weaken.” — Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy

higher than a year ago.

The national average has fallen 6.5 cents per gallon during the last month but stands 14.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

In the Kingston-Ulster area, most gas stations were selling 87-octane unleaded for $2.43 per gallon midday Monday, according to GasBuddy.

According to GasBuddy historical data, the average price at the pump on Dec. 26 in New York has ranged widely over the last five years: $2.45 per gallon in 2016, $2.23 in 2015, $2.82 in 2014, $3.65 in 2013 and $3.72 in 2012.