Gas prices jump as ‘seasonal surge ... is in full motion’

KINGSTON, N.Y. » The average retail price of gasoline in New York state jumped 4.7 cents per gallon last week to reach $2.80 on Sunday, according to GasBuddy.com.

In the Mid-Hudson Valley, GasBuddy said, the average prices late Monday morning were $2.78 per gallon in Ulster County, $2.82 in Dutchess County, $2.77 in Greene County and $2.77 in Columbia County.

“The seasonal surge at gas pumps is in full motion, causing the most dreaded time of year for fearful motorists, especially of what may still be coming,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “With the national average gas price now at its highest since July 26, 2015, I can’t immediately allay all fears of a continued spike in gas prices. However, we’re likely in the closing innings of the seasonal rise — let’s just hope we don’t go to extra innings.”

The national average on Sunday was $2.71 per gallon, up 5.2 cents from a week earlier.

“In the past few years, the average date that gas prices have peaked is mid-May, which is just around the corner, and by all metrics, that could be very close to what we expect this time around,” DeHaan said. “Refinery maintenance has gone well thus far, and gasoline supply has continued to push higher as more refiners conclude their work. With the transition to summer gasoline also wrapping up, the reasons gas prices [typically] rise will shrink.”

New York state’s average gas price Sunday was 11.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 29.4 cents higher than a year ago. The national average Sunday was 17.7 cents higher than a month ago and 30.1 cents higher than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on April 16 in New York have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.50 per gallon in 2017, $2.25 in 2016, $2.57 in 2015, $3.78 in 2014 and $3.78 in 2013.

For live fuel price averages, visit fuelinsights.gasbuddy.com.