Gas Prices Have Surged 40 Cents In A Month

JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) — If prices at the pump seem to be on the rise, you’re right.

AAA says the national average for regular gas has jumped to $3.50 a gallon. That’s a 12-cent increase from last week and a 40-cent increase over the last month and more than nine-percent since the end of last year.

Locally, New York State’s average price as of Tuesday was $3.57 a gallon with Chautauqua County’s average price at $3.62 a gallon. However, nearby Cattaraugus County recorded a decrease in price, reporting an average gas price of $3.51 a gallon.

Experts say the rise is unusual for this time of year. Prices are usually lower due to winter weather keeping more people off the roads.

The problem seems to be supply. Extreme weather in much of the United States near the end of last year caused a series of outages at the refineries that produce the gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.