Gas prices are on the rise after U.S. airstrikes at targets in Iran over the weekend marked an escalation of tensions in the conflict between Iran and Israel. That's according to AAA, which says the average price at the pump as of Monday is $3.22 per gallon, which is up by eight cents from the previous week. New York State's average climbed more than nine cents per gallon to $3.21. And Chautauqua County's average is $3.32, an increase of nearly two cents. One year ago, the national and statewide averages were $3.45 and $3.58, respectively.
The cost of oil was $74 to $77 per barrel in trading Monday morning, up about two dollars per barrel from a week ago. As the Israel-Iran conflict continues, analysts are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Roughly 20% of global oil trade passes through the strait, and according to AAA, any disruption could drive oil and gas prices even higher.
AAA of Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following regional averages:
- Batavia - $3.24 (up six cents from last Monday)
- Buffalo - $3.19 (up 10 cents from last Monday)
- Elmira - $3.14 (up 14 cents from last Monday)
- Ithaca - $3.15 (up 11 cents from last Monday)
- Rochester - $3.21 (up nine cents from last Monday)
- Rome - $3.27 (up eight cents from last Monday)
- Syracuse - $3.17 (up 13 cents from last Monday)
- Watertown - $3.24 (up 10 cents from last Monday)
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