Local gas prices largely steady over past week

Gasoline prices prices were virtually unchanged last week in the Mid-Hudson Valley, while they were down slightly both statewide and nationwide, according to GasBuddy.com.

Locally, according to GasBuddy, average prices midday Monday were $2.77 per gallon in Ulster County (up a penny from a week earlier), $2.92 in Dutchess County (unchanged), $2.83 in Greene County (unchanged) and $2.75 in Columbia County (down 2 cents).

The statewide average Monday was $2.86 per gallon, down 1.7 cents from a week earlier, GasBuddy reported. The national average was $2.76 per gallon, down 3.5 cents.

“Average U.S. gas prices drifted lower this week as oil’s downturn picked up steam thanks to a smallerthan-expected decline in U.S. oil inventories and concerns remain over the strength of the U.S. economy,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “Oil largely ignored Iran’s attempt to make waves in the Strait of Hormuz last Friday, but we may see some impacts in the week ahead.

“Motorists will likely face a mixed bag at the pump in the week ahead,” DeHaan added. “Gas prices are likely to drift lower for the first part of the week ... but may perk up closer to the weekend or early next

week should oil prices exhibit strength that pushes them close to $60 per barrel.”

New York state’s average gas price Monday was 3.8 cents per gallon higher than a month earlier but 12.8 cents lower than a year ago. The national average Monday was 10.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago but 6.7 cents lower than a year ago.

Average gasoline prices on July 22 in New York have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.99 per gallon in 2018, $2.41 in 2017, $2.36 in 2016, $2.90 in 2015 and $3.87 in 2014.

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