Though many are not driving right now due to the stay at home order, those who do have to drive will see some relief at the gas pumps. This is prevalent for Staten Island, a borough where there are few mass transit options and a higher percentage of drivers.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) says that, in New York City, the average gas price is $2.31 That’s $.69 cents down from last year. Nationwide, the demand for gas is down 48%.
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With Memorial Day and the start of summer just around the corner, experts say this is usually the time of year when prices spike up.
“In years gone by, we would see gas prices peak in April or May. Quite the opposite now, where we are seeing prices bottom out,” said Manager Media Relations AAA, Robert Sinclair Jr.
Experts also predict plummeting prices will be the case for the long term.
"I think gas prices will remain low for a long period of time even when we do get back to normal, such a mismatch of supply and demand. Supply is so high, I think that will lead to a hangover in the low prices. They should stick around for a few months. There may be some rebound," said Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, Patrick DeHaan. “But I think overall, low prices will stick around for a good portion of the year."
Looking to the future of driving in the city, MTA Chairman Pat Foye says, due to the coronavirus pandemic, congestion pricing will no longer be starting in January.