New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today released his gasoline price survey for August 26, 2016 as Labor Day Weekend approaches.

Of the 10 stations surveyed in western Southampton, none were at or below the average for the State and Long Island. Nine of 10 stations surveyed in eastern Southampton were at or below the State and Long Island average. One of eight stations in East Hampton was at or below the State or Long Island average. Currently, crude oil prices are $47 per barrel.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) provides for a regional survey on New York State gasoline prices. However, there is no survey solely for the South Fork. Thiele’s survey also includes prices in western Southampton along Montauk Highway. There may be prices that are higher or lower in the region away from Montauk Highway, but the survey reflects the price posted at most stations on our region’s main arterials.

Thiele stated, “The average price for eastern Southampton along Montauk Highway is now $2.27. West of the Canal, the average is $2.49. The average price for East Hampton is $3.09. A gallon of gas in Southold is $2.33. In Riverhead, the average is $2.19. The Long Island average is $2.34 and the State average is $2.32.”

Thiele called upon the State Senate to pass his legislation which would prohibit zone pricing. The legislation would enact the recommendations of the State Attorney General to outlaw the practice of zone pricing of gasoline. The bill has been supported by local gasoline retailers and opposed by the major oil companies. The bill passed the State Assembly by a 117-11 margin on April 5 of this year, but continues to languish in the State Senate.

Thiele concluded. “There is no other conclusion to reach other than the fact that prices are fixed based on geography, unrelated to actual cost. For example, currently gas prices are substantially higher in Hampton Bays, Montauk and Amagansett than the rest of the Island. This is unfair and should be illegal.”