Gasoline prices steady, but uncertainty looms

The average retail price of gasoline in New York state held steady over the past week at $2.75 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com.

In the Mid-Hudson Valley, GasBuddy said, the average prices midday Monday were $2.74 per gallon in Ulster County, $2.78 in Dutchess County, $2.73 in Greene County and $2.68 in Columbia County.

“As markets have seen concern rise of a possible trade war between the U.S. and China, oil prices have been hit hard, leading gas prices to dramatically slow their recent ascent,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

DeHaan cautioned, though, that “while the pause button may be hit for the time being on the spring surge, it is still likely we’ll see prices advance again soon. Thankfully, the bulk of refinery maintenance is likely behind us, but keep in mind the volatility of the stock market has had a major influence on gas prices in the last year, so we may still be susceptible to sudden and dramatic change in U.S. policy and also still ... susceptible to any lingering maintenance at the large refineries.”

New York’s average gasoline price Sunday was 5.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 29 cents higher than a year ago.

The national average on Sunday was $2.65 per gallon, which was 0.6 cents lower than a week earlier, 12 cents higher than a month ago and 25.9 cents higher than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on April 9 in New York state have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.46 per gallon in 2017, $2.17 pin 2016, $2.55 in 2015, $3.75 in 2014 and $3.84 in 2013.

For live fuel price averages, go to fuelinsights.gasbuddy.com.