“It has now been just over a week since the New York State partial gas tax holiday went into effect. On June 1, the average price per gallon of gas in Albany County was just over $4.90. Just seven days later, after a short-lived decline, average prices alarmingly had risen above $4.94 for each gallon for those in the county attempting to fill up their tanks and are now at $4.96. Additionally, for some drivers, they have already witnessed this dreaded return at the gas stations along their normal routes days ago. Furthermore, the average statewide gas prices are now exceeding what they were a week ago – now up to $5.00 – and unfortunately look to be rising.

“I once again commend the Governor and the State Legislature for implementing the gas tax holiday and attempting to deliver respite at the pump. As I said in my recent Times Union opinion piece, we need to provide drivers with real, sustained relief. Therefore, I continue to call on my state and federal partners to hold accountable the big oil companies that are exploiting this situation and taking in record profits while many Americans struggle to make ends meet. Pricing practices need to be investigated and any price gouging cannot be tolerated and needs to be stopped.”