New Survey Shows Gas Prices On The South Fork Are Over 20 Cents Higher Than Rest Of Long Island

New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) recently released his gasoline price survey for September 12, 2015. The latest South Fork survey indicates that gasoline prices have declined from approximately $3.01 in August to $2.81, saving drivers about 20 cents. While the lower prices are great for those always on the go, the survey notes that prices on the South Fork are higher than the rest of Long Island by 25 cents, where prices have decreased by 17 cents since August.

“The average price for East Hampton and Southampton along Montauk Highway excluding Amagansett and Montauk is now $2.81,” noted Thiele. “The average price for Amagansett and Montauk is $3.19. A gallon of gas on the North Fork is now about $2.35. The Long Island average is $2.56 and the State average is $2.56.”

Prices on the South Fork are also 25 cents higher than the State average. “There is no clearer example of price-fixing than what it is currently happening with gas prices on the South Fork,” said Thiele. “Oil prices have declined. Gas prices are declining all around us, but here on the South Fork prices are still 25 cents higher on average than the rest of Long Island.”

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) offers a regional survey on New York State gasoline prices, but there is no survey solely for the South Fork. Thiele’s survey also includes prices in western Southampton along Montauk Highway and reflects the price posted at most stations on the East End’s main arterials.

The Assemblyman has called upon the State Senate to pass his legislation which would prohibit zone pricing. “There is no other conclusion to reach other than the fact that prices have been fixed at a higher level on the South Fork,” explained Thiele. “This is unfair and should be illegal. The local residents of a region should not have to endure artificially high gas prices just so that Big Oil companies can soak summer visitors.” Thiele’s legislation would enact the recommendations of the State Attorney General to outlaw the practice of zone pricing of gasoline.