New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today released his gasoline price survey for August 24, 2015. Thiele’s most recent gasoline survey for the South Fork shows that gasoline prices have increased from about $2.86 in May to $3.01 cents in August or 15 cents. Gas prices on the South Fork are higher than the rest of Long Island by 28 cents, where prices decreased by 20 cents since May. South Fork prices are also 31 cents higher than the State average. Currently, crude oil prices are below $40 per barrel for the first time since 2009.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) provides for a regional survey on New York State gasoline prices. However, there is no survey solely for the South Fork. Thiele’s survey also includes prices in western Southampton along Montauk Highway. There may be prices that are higher or lower in the region away from Montauk Highway, but the survey reflects the price posted at most stations on our region’s main arterials.

Thiele stated, “The average price for East Hampton and Southampton along Montauk Highway excluding Amagansett and Montauk is now $3.01. The average price for Amagansett and Montauk is $3.49. A gallon of gas on the North Fork is now about $2.55. The Long Island average is $2.73 and the State average is $2.70.”

Thiele added, “There is no clearer example of price-fixing than what is currently happening with gas prices on the South Fork. Oil prices are collapsing. Gas prices are declining all around us, but here on the South Fork prices increase during the summer season. Big Oil is setting higher prices to grab a windfall when the population triples on the South Fork.”

Thiele called upon the State Senate to pass his legislation which would prohibit zone pricing. The legislation would enact the recommendations of the State Attorney-General to outlaw the practice of zone pricing of gasoline. The bill has been supported by local gasoline retailers and opposed by the major oil companies. The bill passed the State Assembly by a 135-13 margin in June, but continues to languish in the State Senate.

Thiele concluded. “There is no other conclusion to reach other than the fact that prices have been fixed at a higher level on the South Fork for the busy summer season. This is unfair and should be illegal. The local residents of a region should not have to endure artificially high gas prices just so that Big Oil companies can soak summer visitors.”

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