Drivers across the Syracuse area are feeling more pain at the pump as gasoline prices climb again.
According to surveys from AAA and GasBuddy, the local average has risen to about $4.39 per gallon, up roughly 13 to 18 cents over the past week. The average is now about 25 cents higher than it was a month ago and more than $1.20 higher than a year ago.
The price surge comes as gasoline demand rises and crude oil prices remain around $100 a barrel amid continued conflict and uncertainty in the Middle East.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says prices rose in virtually every state over the past week, with 45 states seeing increases of more than three cents a gallon.
"Any broader directional change will depend heavily on overseas developments, and with new Houthi attacks and fresh U.S.-Iran escalations, the outlook remains deeply uncertain," De Haan said.
GasBuddy's survey of 190 stations across the Syracuse area found prices ranging from $4.11 to $4.52 a gallon on Sunday.
New York State's average is about $4.49 a gallon, while diesel is averaging nearly $6.49.
National diesel prices have also reached record levels, with the average now around $6.51 a gallon.
AAA recommends combining errands, avoiding unnecessary idling and keeping tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure to improve fuel economy while prices remain high.
