Long Island Drivers Frustrated Despite Relatively Cheaper Gas Prices

Residents say $4 per gallon is still too high as fuel costs continue to soar due to the Iran war.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:20am

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A composition of bold, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the economic strain and emotional frustration of Long Island drivers facing high gas prices.The vibrant colors and stark geometric shapes of this illustration capture the emotional turmoil felt by Long Island drivers as they face soaring gas prices, even in a region with relatively lower fuel costs.Kingston Today

While Long Island has some of the lowest gas prices in New York state, averaging $4.03 per gallon, local drivers say they are not grateful for the 'cheaper' fuel as costs have spiked 18% from last year, the steepest price hike since summer 2022 when gas was over $5 per gallon.

Why it matters

The rising gas prices on Long Island, even though they are lower than the state and national averages, highlight the financial strain that many residents are facing due to the ongoing Iran war and its impact on fuel supply and costs. This issue is particularly acute for Long Islanders who rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation.

The details

According to data from AAA and the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, gas prices in Nassau and Suffolk counties have risen 18% from last year, with the average now sitting at $4.03 per gallon. This ties Long Island with Kingston as the metro regions with the lowest gas prices in New York state, but drivers say the 'cheaper' fuel is still far from affordable. Many residents report having to fill up their tanks two or three times a week, spending around $75 each time, compared to just $25 per fill-up prior to the recent price hikes.

  • Gas prices on Long Island have risen 18% from last year.
  • The current average gas price on Long Island is $4.03 per gallon.

The players

Lara Grayson

A 63-year-old Long Island resident who expressed frustration with the high gas prices, saying 'I'm not grateful for this s--t, nor am I impressed by the price.'

Alaina Rodriguez

A 27-year-old Long Island driver who said the 'cheaper' gas prices are still really hurting her pockets, as the same $25 she used to spend to fill up her Honda Civic is now only getting her to about half a tank, forcing her to fill up two or three times a week and spend around $75 each time.

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What they’re saying

“''Am I supposed to cheer? I'm not grateful for this s--t, nor am I impressed by the price.''”

— Lara Grayson

“''Even if we do have cheaper gas than most places, it's still really hurting my pockets, so it doesn't feel like we do.''”

— Alaina Rodriguez

“''If this is the cheapest gas in the state right here, then God help us.''”

— Unnamed driver

What’s next

Experts predict that gas prices on Long Island could continue to rise if the Iran war drags on or supply issues linger, further straining residents' budgets.

The takeaway

The rising gas prices on Long Island, even though they are lower than the state and national averages, highlight the financial strain that many residents are facing due to the ongoing Iran war and its impact on fuel supply and costs. This issue is particularly acute for Long Islanders who rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation.