Locals skeptical of lower gas prices

Local News

AROUND THE NORTH COUNTRY

The Press-Republican conducts an occasional gas-price survey. Here is a sampling of the price of regular unleaded gas around the area as of July 17. The second number is from May 29.

Betty Beaver Truck Stop, Lewis $3.99, $3.99.

Buck's Car Wash, Plattsburgh $3.86, $3.91.

Cadyville Gulf $3.79, $3.86.

Chase's Service Station, Lyon Mountain $3.89, $3.89.

Country Store, Willsboro $3.83, $ 3.98.

Dubrey's Service Station, Plattsburgh $3.89, $4.09.

Eastern Door Convenience Store, Hogansburg $3.79, $3.89.

Jay's Sunoco, Ticonderoga $3.82, $3.92.

Liberty's Garage, Peru $3.97, $4.11.

Nice N Easy, Tupper Lake $3.97, $4.03.

Maplefields Peru $3.99, $4.07.

Mountain Mart, Malone $3.95, $4.05.

Port Henry Mobil, Port Henry $3.95, $3.99.

Raybrook Sunoco and Deli, Ray Brook $3.91, $4.03.

Route 11 Truck Stop, Champlain $3.99, $4.15.

Stewart's Shop, Rouses Point $3.87, $3.95.

Sharkey's Store, Ticonderoga $3.79, $3.86.

Village Meat Market, Willsboro $3.91, $3.99.

WW Carwash Inc., Plattsburgh $3.99, $4.05.

Westport Mobil, Westport $ 4.09, $4.19.

Related Photos

A gasoline pump fills up a vehicle. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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July 19, 2011

ASHLEIGH LIVINGSTON Press-Republican The Press Republican Tue Jul 19, 2011, 09:26 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH — Two years ago, the price of gas prompted Tarry Lacey of Plattsburgh to trade in his gas-guzzling truck for a smaller, more fuel-efficient Chevy Aveo.

And while he said the swap has saved him money in fuel costs, he is still forced to plan his weekly budget around ever-changing gas prices.

Lacey said that when the cost of gas is up, affording it becomes his No. 1 financial priority. When the cost of gas is down, he is able to focus more on his other bills, such as rent and electric.

But although a recent survey by the Press-Republican indicates that the average price of regular gas in the North Country has decreased from $4.04 per gallon in May 2011 to $3.91 in mid July — a drop of 3.1 percent — Lacey and other locals were hesitant to celebrate.

"We've seen it fluctuate quite a bit," Lacey said. Kathy Anthony of Plattsburgh said she's happy about the decrease, "but I know it's just temporary. (Prices) will continue to rise."

CARPOOL HELPS

According to the Associated Press, gas prices nationally fell 6.8 percent in June, marking the steepest decline in two-and-a-half years.

New York state, however, is still the fourth most expensive state in which to buy gas, with a state average of $3.899 per gallon, according to newyorkgasprices.com, a gasoline price-tracking website.

"I don't think (gas prices) will ever go down much more than they have," said Tammy Arsenault of Plattsburgh.

Alan Mckowski, also of Plattsburgh, said the recent decrease is somewhat of a relief; however, the cost is still high enough that he makes an effort to minimize the amount he drives his vehicle.

One way of doing this is by car pooling, which Arsenault said she tries to do with friends and family.

Anthony said she also makes an effort to minimize driving by hitting more stops per outing, rather than making several trips. However, she said the cost of gas has not stopped her from going where she needs to go.

"You've got to spend the money (on gas), even though you don't have it."