New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today released his gasoline price survey for November 23, 2016.

Of the 10 stations surveyed in western Southampton, five were at or below the average for Long Island. Eight of 10 stations surveyed in eastern Southampton were at or below the L.I. average. Zero of eight stations in East Hampton were at or below the L.I. average. Currently, crude oil prices are $46 per barrel.

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 eastern Southampton along Montauk Highway is now $2.29. West of the Canal, the average is $2.35. The average price for East Hampton is $3.09. A gallon of gas in Southold is $2.27. In Riverhead, the average is $2.19. The Long Island average is $2.39 and the State average is $2.36.”

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 117-11 margin on April 5, 2016 but continues to languish in the State Senate.

Thiele concluded. “There is no other conclusion to reach other than the fact that prices are fixed based on geography, unrelated to actual cost. For example, currently gas prices are substantially higher in Hampton Bays, Montauk and Amagansett than the rest of the Island. This is unfair and should be illegal.”