24-05-2025
‘$3 for gas is crazy': Why gas prices differ between pumps, experts weigh in
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — With Memorial Day weekend underway, folks across the nation are either planning to travel or are currently traveling. In fact, experts at AAA of Western New York estimate more than 39 million drivers will be on the road this weekend, breaking the record.
Because of this, many motorists are wondering where the best spot to fill up their gas tank is. Through this process, folks like Ally O'Brien are questioning why the price per gallon differs so drastically between gas stations.
'Just thinking of it, people probably don't pay close enough attention, which lets these stations get away with charging 20 cents more because people just need to get gas,' O'Brien said.
Simya Maccauley, who commutes across the city each day for work and fills her gas tank every other day, is curious about the same thing.
'I'm getting tired of filling up the gas tank,' Maccauley said. 'Three dollars for gas is crazy.'
Around the city, the price difference is noticeable. At one gas station on Park Avenue in Rochester, regular-grade gas cost $3.29/gallon on Friday. However, on Dewey Avenue near Greece, the same grade gas cost $2.80/gallon, nearly a 50 cent difference.
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), a few reasons for these drastic price differences include the varying tax rates for each zip code, operational costs, gas delivery costs and competition from neighboring gas stations.
Senior Communications Specialist for AAA of Western New York Mark Gruba says despite these differences, gas prices overall are at their lowest point since 2021. He explained why this is.
'Gas prices tend to rise this time of year, but this year due to the cheaper price of crude oil, they are much lower,' Gruba said. 'Road trippers this holiday weekend are getting a big break.'
Gruba added that motorists should plan extra travel time should they road trip during Memorial Day weekend, advising that traffic may be heavier between 4pm and 7pm each day.
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