BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — AAA says the national gas price average has increased seven cents to $2.58 as a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent storm.
According to AAA the impact of the winter storm is much similar to a hurricane's impact.
"The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact. Refineries come offline, and until damage (if any) is assessed and operations are back up and running, supply is tight, especially with road conditions and power outages (mostly in Texas) reducing fuel deliveries – if stations even have power to accept them," a release from AAA says.
AAA predicts until the Gulf Coast refineries are running again, which is expected early next week, gas prices will continue to increase by five to 15 cents.
As of February 18 AAA says the New York State average is $2.65 which is up five cents since February 15. A year ago the NYS average was $2.61.
The following are local averages throughout Western and Central New York:
- Batavia - $2.54 (up two cents since Monday)
- Buffalo - $2.56 (up four cents since Monday)
- Ithaca - $2.58 (up two cents since Monday)
- Rochester - $2.59 (up four cents since Monday)
- Rome - $2.67 (up four cents since Monday)
- Syracuse - $2.57 (up three cents since Monday)
- Watertown - $2.67 (up four cents since Monday)
