New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced his most recent survey of gasoline prices. In Thiele's most recent gasoline survey for the South Fork taken on October 26, 2013, South Fork prices have declined 28 cents since the last survey late in August. Long Island prices have decreased by 33 cents during the same period. South Fork prices are now 17 cents above the State average and 20 cents above the Long Island average. South Fork gas prices have been higher than the Long Island average in 20 of the 30 surveys since Memorial Day 2011, including the last 9 surveys.

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 $3.77. The average price for Amagansett and Montauk is $4.29. A gallon of gas on the North Fork is now about $3.45. The L.I. average is $3.57 and the State average is $3.60."

Thiele's legislation to strengthen New York's law on zone pricing was passed in 2012, but the measure did not pass in the State Senate. Senator Ken LaValle is now the sponsor in the State Senate. No action was taken in either house during the 2013 Session.

Thiele added, "The most recent survey continues to points out exactly why we need a prohibition on zone pricing. Prices are dropping across the state, but on the South Fork prices are well above the State and Long Island average. This has nothing to do with costs and competition rather it is deliberate price fixing."