Gas Prices Remain Steady
Motorists still awaiting post-holiday price drop
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.58, no change since last week.
One year ago, the price was $2.24.
The New York State average is $2.72 – up two cents from last week.
A year ago, the NYS average was $2.59.
AAA Western and Central New York reports the following averages:
• Batavia – $2.66 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo – $2.65 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca – $2.70 (up four cents since last week)
• Rochester – $2.69 (down one cent since last week)
• Rome – $2.69 (up four cents since last week)
• Syracuse – $2.64 (up four cents since last week)
• Watertown – $2.71 (up three cents since last week)
Gas prices were expected to be lower at the start of the new year, but with oil prices on the rise, motorists are still awaiting a drop at the pump.
Oil prices continue to rise and that directly impacts pump prices.
Analysts are keeping a close eye on escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The death of the Iranian leader in a U.S. airstrike could eventually lead to higher gas prices.
However, the U.S. has increased domestic production in recent years, so the country is in a better position than in the past.
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Fuel prices in the US are obNOXIOUS. #1 The Federal Highway Trust Fund has not has been risen since 1993, thus, our roads and bridges resemble the condition of those in a developing country. At 18.4¢ per gallon it has essentially gone down with inflation. #2 The fuel economy of the US fleet is an embarrassment and the president** is recommending even further cuts. #3 The trucks Americans use for family transport is an anodyne construct. The solution would be a hefty tax on poor fuel economy which would give rise to mass transit expansion and more sedans, hybrids and electric vehicles, which would put the US back on track towards clean air, soil and water, smooth roads and safe bridges.
I suggest the following surcharges based on Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings: less than 10 mpg-$3500 per year; 10-15 mpg-$3000 per year; 16-20 mpg-$2500 per year; 21-25 mpg-$2000 per year; 26-30 mpg- $1500 per year; 31-35 mpg-$1000 per year; 36+ mpg – no surcharge. I also propose a one-time surcharge of $500 for any vehicle equipped with a remote starting device.
During 1973, when oil producing nations forced an oil embargo on the US for supporting Israel, fuel economy of US vehicles jumped from 13.5mpg to 27 mpg. 55 mph was the law nationwide. The Ford Foundation suggested fuel economy standards as a way to avoid future oil shocks.