Gas prices continue drop in Mid-Hudson Valley

Gasoline prices dropped over the last week in the Mid-Hudson Valley, New York state and the nation, according to GasBuddy. com.

Locally, according to GasBuddy, average prices Monday mid-afternoon were $2.67 per gallon in Ulster County (down 4 cents from a week earlier), $2.82 in Dutchess County (down 5 cents), $2.79 in Greene County (unchanged) and $2.69 in Columbia County (unchanged).

The statewide average Monday was $2.79 per gallon, down 6 cents from a week earlier, GasBuddy reported. The national average was $2.60 per gallon, down 3 cents.

“For a surprising fifth straight week, the national average has declined, ushering in lower gas prices to every state and providing relief to consumers who’ve watched the stock market tank, but for the same reason oil prices have plunged,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“While gasoline demand remains healthy, continued worry over U.S. and China relations clouds energy markets and has weighed significantly on oil prices. As the summer draws to a close, the declines may slow down as new signs from both the U.S. and China show a less-aggressive tone regarding trade, but we’ll have to see if that materializes into something concrete in the weeks ahead. For now I believe we’ll see more moves to the downside for most states as the national average continues to move to fresh summer lows as Labor Day approaches.”

New York state’s average gas price Monday was 7.1 cents per gallon lower than a month earlier and 18.1 cents lower than a year ago. The national average Monday was 17 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 22.2 cents lower than a year ago.

Average gasoline prices on Aug. 19 in New York have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.98 per gallon in 2018, $2.45 in 2017, $2.29 in 2016, $2.74 in 2015 and $3.73 in 2014.

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