SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The price of regular gas in Central New York has increased by about 90 cents since the U.S. began conflict with the Middle East in February.
A gallon of regular unleaded gas had an average price of $3.83, according to the AAA on March 25, 2026. This is the highest the price has been since 2022, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began. AAA said the same gas one month ago was $2.95 per gallon.
Central New York resident Ryan Lefevre has grown frustrated with the rising prices. When prices get so high, Lefevre said it becomes a struggle for everyone.
“Every day you get up and you don’t know what the gas price is going to be, it’s going to be up you know that,” Lefevre said. “Every day I see it affect everybody, not just people like me that are single dads, but I see it in everyday people. We are just trying to survive.”
Lefevre’s anger towards the gas prices extends beyond the gas pump. He said he has a problem with the government’s handling of the issue and would like for something to be done.
“It would be nice to have a resolution to this, an alternate fuel that we all could afford and there is ways out there to do it,” said Lefevre. “The government is not willing to do that research, because it is not profitable, they’re not making enough money.”
The price jump is mostly due to the current conflict in the Middle East. However, AAA communication specialist Valerie Puma said there are other factors that caused the current prices.
There is typically a gas price increase around the warmer months, said Puma. This is due to more travel, meaning more people need gas.
“People are going on road trips, maybe they are traveling a little bit more so with the game of supply and demand when people are gassing up more often, gas stations are purchasing that fuel more often,” Puma said. “If they are having to purchase it at a higher price, then we’re going to see those higher prices as well for our motorists.”
The typical gas price increase during the spring months is often 5-10 cents. This is nothing compared to the 90 cent increase since February. The biggest reason for the increase is still the conflict overseas and the impact on crude oil prices.
Puma said crude oil impacts 50% to 60% of the price seen at the gas station.
Central New York’s location in the state is part of the reason why gas prices are not as bad here than in other counties and sections of New York, according to Puma.
“Since Syracuse is a metropolitan area and we are right in the middle of the state we do see a little bit lower of prices in comparison to the North Country or Downstate,” Puma said. “We definitely are fortunate in that sense.”
The average price of diesel gas has increased by about $1.80 in Syracuse over the past month, with an average gallon costing $5.62, according to AAA on March 25, 2026. This may cause companies that rely on diesel to consolidate in an effort to counter the heightened costs, Puma said.
“In the past there has been some conversation about taking a look at the routes for the trucks,” said Puma. “Do we need four trucks on the road, could we make it with three?”