Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The New York State gas tax suspension begins Wednesday, with counties also taking part across the state.
The savings per-gallon could reach 30 cents, but due to purchasing timelines, may not be immediately realized.
AAA's Elizabeth Carey says while the state will drop its gas tax by 16 cents per gallon and Erie County will stop taxing at $2 per-gallon, savings may end up getting eaten up by rising oil prices. "Oil prices are through the roof right now like over $118 per barrel. The other type of oil they used to make gasoline was over $120 per barrel," says Carey. Niagara County will stop collecting tax after $3/gallon, which means total savings will range from 21 to 32 cents per gallon.
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Carey says as oil price increases force gas prices to remain high, it's important to be a savvy shopper. "Big box retailers, grocery store discounts, AAA discounts at gas stations, you know, using the AAA mobile app to find the cheapest gas prices in your area, all of those savings will add up to bring a little bit of relief," explains Carey. She adds the gas tax discount will be automatic.
Carey says if the usual trends continue, usually prices peak right around Memorial Day, then they start to taper off. "We get a little bit of relief over the summer, and then they tend to come down and fall and then definitely lower in the winter driving season. So, you know, hopefully there's some relief in sight," says Carey. She notes businesses will also benefit with savings on diesel fuel taxes.
Carey says the average price in Buffalo is $4.83 per-gallon.