Hurricane Isaac Increasing Gas Prices Around New York

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 increase gas prices around the nation.

Outside of New York City, the price of gas jumped two cents per gallon from last week.

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

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

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A week ago in the New York City area, the average price at the pump was $4.07—and now it is $4.09, Sinclair said. "That's not such a big jump," he added.

But nationally, a week ago the average was $3.71 a gallon. And this morning, it was $3.80, according to AAA.

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

The price for regular gas is at $4.07. over at the Shell station across from the Nyack Walgreen's and the Nanuet Mobil across from Kohl's. Down in Pearl River, it's $4.15 at the Gulf near Shoprite and only $4.03 at the Shell on New City's Main Street.

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 due to Isaac.

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.