Gas Prices Jump

Gas Prices Jump

Colonial Pipeline Shuts Down after Cyber Attack
Elizabeth Carey
gas refinery

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.97, up seven cents from last Monday and up three cents since Thursday. One year ago, the price was $1.84. The New York State average is $3.00 – up five cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.16. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia - $2.94 (up five cents since last week)
  • Buffalo - $2.93 (up five cents since last week)
  • Ithaca - $2.95 (up five cents since last week)
  • Rochester - $2.97 (up six cents since last week)
  • Rome - $3.03 (up six cents since last week)
  • Syracuse - $2.94 (up five cents since last week)
  • Watertown - $3.03 (up six cents since last week)

A cyber attack has led to the Colonial Pipeline shutting down – the pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey and supplies about half of the fuel that is used on the East Coast. The situation has led to an increase in oil prices and gas prices, which were already on the rise due to spring demand. The impact will be based on the amount of time the pipeline is shut down - if the pipeline reopens in a matter of days, little disruption is expected.

However, a longer shutdown could result in supply concerns and other issues. In 2016, the pipeline shutdown after an explosion, and gas prices increased, but there were no other problems in this region.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance.

Locate gas prices across the country at:

AAA Gas Prices