Gas prices in the Utica Rome area are falling slightly after reaching an 18-month high in November.

The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in New York is hovering around $3.495 according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Patti Artessa, Regional Director of Public a Government Affairs for AAA says, “Gasoline prices fluctuated over the past few days as fears of an omicron-driven economic slowdown were countered by news of a severe fire at a major oil refinery in Texas.”  According to AAA, "As a result, the recent steady decline in pump prices has slowed, with the national average for a gallon of gas falling two cents on the week to $3.28."

As of this posting GasBuddy lists the cheapest gas in the area in Rome and Westmoreland – both at $3.39 per gallon.  Prices in Utica are approximately $3.49 a gallon.

Local Gas Prices Graphic Courtesy: GasBuddy and Google Maps gasbuddy.com
Local Gas Prices Graphic Courtesy: GasBuddy and Google Maps gasbuddy.com
loading...

According to AAA the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is $3.286 per gallon.

Gas Prices in New York by County as of 12272021 Graphic Credit: AAA American Automobile Association gasprices.aaa.com
Gas Prices in New York by County as of 12272021 Graphic Credit: AAA American Automobile Association gasprices.aaa.com
loading...

Those same figures show that Herkimer County has among the highest gas prices in New York right now, ranking 11th highest in the state, following the New York Metropolitan Area and counties in the North Country.  With an average cost of $3.558 per gallon, Herkimer joins the following counties with among the highest average prices per gallon in the state:

  • Rockland: $3.852
  • New York Metropolitan area (New York: $3.852, Queens: $3.555, Bronx: $3.553)
  • Westchester: $3.686
  • Hamilton: $3.654
  • Lawrence: $3.645
  • Essex: $3.641
  • Putnam: $3.590
  • Franklin: $3.574
  • Lewis: $3.570
  • Clinton: $3.564
  • Herkimer: $3.558

Overall New York’s gas prices were higher than the national average which in 2021, peaked in November at around $3.38 per gallon.  A chart from GasBuddy.com shows that, compared with a year ago, the national average price for a gallon in November 202 was just about $2.10 per gallon.

18 Month Average Retail Price Chart Chart Credit: GasBuddy.com
18 Month Average Retail Price Chart Chart Credit: GasBuddy.com
loading...

In an effort to curb prices President Joe Biden released oil from reserves to increase the supply while shutdowns related to COVID’s omicron variant have lessened the demand.  Although the market is volatile, prices are expected to continue declining in the first quarter of 2022.

Five Of The Top Ski Areas In CNY

There are a number of ski areas in Central New York, and all offer skiing and snowboarding lessons. Here are five of the top slopes.

11 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Holiday Shopping Online

The world-wide shipping delays have shoppers buying holiday gifts early this year and much of the commerce is happening online. After all, how can you avoid the amazing deals? Now more than ever, these amazing deals are shady transactions that look authentic and safe.

One way to shop safely online is to buy from local vendor websites, or visit sites like Etsy which touts small meaningful gifts, often times created by small businesses and crafters.

The Better Business Bureau recommends online buyers do research before they click the checkout button.

Here are 11 things you can do to avoid getting ripped off online, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Top 5 Local Sports Stories Of 2021

There were many local sports stories that highlighted 2021, including a couple of firsts. Here are a look at the Top Five, along with a bonus story.

The Utica Fire Department 'Firehouse Lights' Competition

Here you can view each of the light displays outside each of the firehouses in the Utica Fire Department. You can vote on their Facebook page and are welcome to take a walking tour of each of the houses.

More From WIBX 950