Thursday, October 1, 2026
Drivers across Long Island are feeling the pinch at the pump as gasoline prices continue to climb amid rising wholesale costs and escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran.
According to data from GasBuddy, average gasoline prices on Long Island rose 14.4 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching $3.97 per gallon. Prices are up 76.2 cents from a month ago and nearly $1 higher than this time last year.
The national average has also increased, rising 11.8 cents over the past week to $4.06 per gallon. Diesel prices climbed even more sharply, up 20.7 cents week-over-week to $5.576 per gallon.
In nearby areas, prices remain elevated as well. Drivers in New York City are paying an average of $4.08 per gallon, while motorists in Trenton and Bridgeport are seeing averages of $4.09 and $4.03, respectively.
The spike comes as energy markets react to ongoing uncertainty tied to global oil supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global crude shipments. As of press time, tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened concerns about potential disruptions to oil flows through the region, contributing to volatility in fuel markets.
“Gasoline prices are poised for another jolt this week,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. He noted that continued increases in wholesale costs have yet to be fully reflected at the consumer level and warned that the national average could climb into the $4.20 to $4.35 range in the coming days.
Local residents and commuters in the Bellmore-Merrick area said the increases are already affecting household budgets and travel habits.
“I’ve definitely started combining errands just to save trips to the gas station,” said Bellmore resident Maria Lopez. “It adds up quickly when prices keep going up every week.”
Daniel Roth, who stopped at the Mobil gas station on Merrick Road, said he has begun monitoring station prices more closely. “
There’s sometimes a 20 to 30 cent difference just a few blocks apart,” he said. “You really have to shop around now.”
Others expressed concern about broader economic impacts if prices continue to rise.
“It’s not just gas—it’s everything that depends on transportation,” Carla Jennings said, who Ubers in the area. “Higher fuel costs eventually show up in delivery fees and prices across the board.”
Analysts say the outlook remains uncertain, with fuel prices closely tied to global supply conditions and geopolitical developments. For now, drivers in Long Island and across the region can expect continued fluctuations at the pump as markets respond to ongoing international tensions and supply pressures.
