Motorists continue to face increasing prices at the gas pump. According to AAA, the average price nationwide as of Monday has climbed to $4.52 per gallon, which is up by more than six cents compared to a week ago. New York State saw a steeper increase in its average, which is now $4.59. That’s up by over 12 cents from last week. And in Chautauqua County, the average has risen by more than seven cents to $4.48. One year ago, the national and statewide averages were $3.14 and $3.10, respectively.
The current surge at the pump coincides with the start of May, as oil prices climbed amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Gas prices are now at their highest level in four years, last seen in 2022. As of Monday morning, oil is trading between $97 and $104 per barrel, compared to $103-109 just one week ago…