Gas prices in Rochester fall but not by as much as national average

Rochester, New York — Since early July, Rochester’s gas prices have fallen significantly, falling by 7 cents this week, but local prices haven’t dropped as quickly as the national average.

According to AAA, nationally, prices fell by 15 cents. While Rochester’s average gas price on Sunday was $4.54 per gallon, the nation’s average was $4.06.

A short supply and high demand have led to a jump in prices, despite state and local gas tax relief. On the other hand, regions that can refine oil locally, like the midwest, have a greater supply leading to lower prices.

Gas prices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca fell by about the same rate as Rochester’s. Prices in Rochester are still higher than the statewide average, at $4.43 per gallon, and Buffalo’s prices, $4.45 per gallon.

The cheapest station in Rochester on Sunday was $3.97 per gallon, while the most expensive was 92 cents higher, according to a survey from GasBuddy. Gas prices in Rochester have fallen by 33 cents compared to early July but are still $1.37 higher than a year ago.

The state and Monroe County gas tax relief, which entered its third month, aims to save consumers $0.28 per gallon at the pump.

Over the past year, gas prices have skyrocketed because of rapid recovery from the pandemic increased the demand so high that supply couldn’t keep up. Europe’s restrictions on importing Russian oil also scrambled world oil prices, affecting the U.S. even though the U.S. imports very little Russian oil.