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Metro Creative Connection

AAA: Gulf Coast refineries offline due to storm, gas prices climbing

Submitted

Thu, Feb 18th 2021 05:10 pm

Statement from AAA’s national office regarding Gulf Coast refineries and gas prices:

Since Monday, the national gas price average has increased 7 cents to $2.575 ($2.58). This quick, four-day jump is a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent storm, which has caused gas supplies to tighten and pump prices to increase. The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact. Refineries come offline, and until damage (if any) is assessed and operations are back up and running, supply is tight, especially with road conditions and power outages (mostly in Texas) reducing fuel deliveries – if stations even have power to accept them. Until things thaw out and Gulf Coast refineries are running again (likely early next week), we do expect more expensive pump prices across the country, varying another 5-15 cents.

We urge motorists in the impacted areas to stay off the road and not rush to get gas. Gasoline will flow into stations as power is restored and roads are cleared. We are seeing temporary outages, not a shortage. On Monday, the Colonial Pipeline reported no impact from the storm, which will aide in refueling quickly once roads can be traveled.

As in any national or local state of emergency, AAA expects gas prices to be held in check – up and down the gasoline supply chain – including prices set by refiners, distributors and dealers. If motorists are concerned about price gouging, they should contact their state’s attorney general office.

Today’s local gas price update:

The New York average is $2.65 – up 5 cents since Monday. A year ago, the state average was $2.61. AAA Western and Central New York reports the following averages:

  • Batavia – $2.54 (up 2 cents since Monday)
  • Buffalo – $2.56 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Ithaca – $2.58 (up 2 cents since Monday)
  • Rochester – $2.59 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Rome – $2.67 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Syracuse – $2.57 (up 3 cents since Monday)
  • Watertown – $2.67 (up 4 cents since Monday)

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA mobile app, a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Mobile. 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 http://gasprices.aaa.com.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 887,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

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