Hurricane Causes Spike In Gas Prices

Isaac was a Category One hurricane  when it made landfall on the Gulf Coast, but now as a tropical storm, it continues to wreak havoc in Louisiana and on gas prices around the nation.

Outside New York City, the price of gas jumped two cents per gallon from last week and they are no bargain in Rockland County.

"Prices had already started going up even before the hurricane hit," Robert Sinclair Jr., spokesman for AAA New York, said Wednesday.

The so-called "fear tax" pushed gas prices up, as the concerns of what hurricane-related damages may occur from Isaac soared.

Nationally, a week ago the average gas price was $3.71 a gallon. And Wednesday morning, it was $3.80, according to AAA.

One station on South Main Street listed gas at $3.99 on Wednesday. Online prices for other New City stations varied from $4.02 on North Main Street to $4.19 on New Hempstead Road and two stations charging $4.25 on S. Little Tor Road. 

"There’s been a nine cent jump in gas in just the last week," Sinclair said, which is more "reflective of the situation."

Looking back at gas prices in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, prices at the pump spiked 44 cents in just the one week following the Category Five storm, he noted.

The major difference between the two hurricanes is that Isaac is a Category One storm, and there have been no reports of oil companies or refineries being knocked offline by it.

With Isaac hitting, and weekend just days away, drivers hitting the roads this weekend should expect a slight increase in gas prices.

Typically, Labor Day brings about a decrease in gas prices, according to Sinclair. However, due to Isaac, prices will be up slightly and could continue to rise.

The Rockland County Consumer Protection department is responsible for enforcing the New York State Agriculture & Markets Laws. One of their duties is inspecting gas stations and receive and investigate consumer complaints regarding fraud or unfair dealings.

If a customer suspects a problem at the gas station with pricing, or he believes he has been shorted in any way, he can file a complaint  online , or call (845) 708-7600.

What do the prices at the pump look like in your neighborhood? Share in the comments section below.