The seasonal rise in gas prices is underway, with refineries beginning their production of summer blend gasoline. That’s the word from AAA, which reports that the nationwide average price at the gas pump has climbed by nearly six cents per gallon since last Monday and is currently just under $3.00. In New York State, the average increased by a fraction of a cent to $3.01. And Chautauqua County saw a two-cent decline in its average, which is now $3.12. One year ago, the national and statewide averages were $3.10 and $3.16, respectively.
AAA adds that the U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran could disrupt oil exports and cause gas prices to spike, since Iran plays a significant role in global crude oil supply. If the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to open waters, is blocked, that could tighten global supply and impact prices worldwide, including domestically. Oil prices have surged by 9-13% following the attack…