New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is criticizing President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans as fuel prices rise across the state following the start of the war with Iran.
State officials say the average price of gasoline in New York has increased by about 62 cents per gallon, or roughly 21%, since Feb. 28. Diesel prices have climbed even more sharply, rising $1.13 per gallon, about 28%, and topping $5 per gallon on March 13.
Prices also increased over the weekend, with gasoline rising another eight cents per gallon and diesel climbing 11 cents between Friday and Monday.
Energy markets worldwide have been affected by the conflict in the Middle East, with disruptions to oil supplies pushing crude prices higher and leading to higher costs at the pump.
Home heating fuels, including propane and crude oil, are also increasing as a result of the conflict, according to state officials.
“President Trump promised to lower energy prices, but instead, he and his administration have driven up costs for New Yorkers with illegal tariffs — and now they’re driving up gas prices with the War in Iran,” Hochul said.
The governor also pointed to her proposed Ratepayer Protection Plan, which she says is designed to help lower energy costs for residents. The proposal would remove certain utility fees from customer bills, require utilities to disclose executive pay compared with worker wages and expand access to energy affordability programs.
Hochul is urging lawmakers to work with her to revise the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
According to an analysis by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority cited by the governor, implementing the law on its current timeline could raise annual household energy bills by about $4,000 for upstate homes that rely on oil or natural gas and about $2,300 for natural gas households in New York City by 2031.
Officials also said the law could add about $2.39 to the price of gasoline and increase energy costs for businesses by roughly 46%.
