The average gas price on the South Fork on March 2 was $3.97 per gallon—22 cents higher than a February 2 average of $3.75, according to a survey on gas prices put together by State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. Mr. Thiele attributed the increase to tensions in the Middle East.
The South Fork price is currently 4 cents lower than the Long Island average, the same as the state average, and 7 cents lower than the average price in Manhattan.
According to Mr. Thiele’s survey, while the average South Fork price between East Hampton and Southampton was $3.97 per gallon, the average price for gas in western Southampton Town was $4.04, and the average price between Amagansett and Montauk was $4.13.
The price for a gallon of gas on the South Fork ranged from $3.89 to $4.41. Mr. Thiele said that gas prices on the North Fork have also increased to an average of about $3.95.
As motorists cope with tighter budgets, Mr. Thiele has called for legislative action. He said that strengthening the state’s law on zone pricing, as recommended by the state attorney general’s office, would aid motorists, as well as the enactment of open supply legislation, which would enable gas stations to purchase cheaper fuel.
Mr. Thiele has also asked for the establishment of a grant program to provide incentives to convert conventional gas pumps to dispense a blend of gasoline and ethanol, a suspension of state gas taxes on Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends in 2012, and for the prohibition of pricing gas based on method of payment.
on Mar 6, 2012