U.S. Gas Prices Climb as Middle East Tensions Push Oil Above $100

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen to $4.52, up 6 cents from last week and significantly higher than $3.14 a year ago, according to AAA Western and Central New York, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported.

Gas prices are now at their highest levels in roughly four years, last seen in 2022.

New York’s statewide average reached $4.59, up 13 cents from the previous Monday and more than $1.40 higher than the same period last year.

AAA Western and Central New York reported increases across several metro areas:

• Batavia: $4.54 (up 15 cents) 

• Buffalo: $4.56 (up 15 cents) 

• Elmira: $4.50 (up 13 cents) 

• Ithaca: $4.57 (up 17 cents) 

• Rochester: $4.57 (up 17 cents) 

• Rome: $4.55 (up 15 cents) 

• Syracuse: $4.55 (up 15 cents) 

• Watertown: $4.59 (up 10 cents) 

Analysts said the spike coincided with rising crude oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Oil traded between $97 and $104 per barrel, slightly below last week’s $103 to $109 range.

Gas prices are now at their highest levels in roughly four years, last seen in 2022.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand, production, and domestic supply all declined slightly last week, a shift that may contribute to continued price volatility.