As the war in Iran enters its fifth week, the pain at the pump for Central New Yorkers is only going to get worse.

Gas prices are soaring toward record highs across the country and throughout Central New York. The surge is directly related to the price of crude oil.

Nearly “55%-60% of what consumers pay at the pump is in direct correlation to the price of crude,” Valarie Puma, a communications specialist at AAA, said. The current average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Oswego county is currently $3.85, just slightly under the New York state average, which stands at $3.93.

Crude oil prices have reached levels not seen since 2022, during the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While that had a more direct supply impact on the United States, the current situation in Iran presents a different global threat. Although the U.S. does not source the majority of its oil from the Iranian region, Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global choke hold for 20% of the global oil supply. When that supply is threatened, it creates a ripple effect that hits local consumers through the simple laws of supply and demand.

While the conflict in Iran is a primary driver of current costs, Puma noted seasonal changes are also at play. Gas stations are currently switching from winter gasoline to summer blends. The summer blend is more expensive to produce because it is designed to prevent fuel from evaporating in the heat. Additionally, with spring break underway and the summer travel season approaching, prices typically rise as more people take to the road.

This irregularity may shift summer travel for CNY families. The rising cost of oil also affects airlines, as the increased expense of jet fuel is passed down through higher airfare. Puma recommends booking trips now.

“It’s hard to say how long oil is going to stay elevated in price,” Puma said. She noted that this advice holds true in stable markets, as limited seat availability often drives up the cost during peak months of travel.

The economic impact extends beyond the family car. Patrick De Haan, a petroleum expert at GasBuddy, noted the rising cost of diesel on the social media platform X.

“Higher gasoline and diesel prices are now costing the U.S. economy half a billion dollars more every single day versus three weeks ago,” De Haan said. These expenses eventually affect everything from shipping costs to the price of household goods.

There are efforts underway to provide relief. The White House recently announced the release of 172 million barrels of strategic oil reserves over the next four months to offset the 400 million barrels currently held. While the relief has not been immediate, the AAA communication specialist is hopeful the move will help the cost of gas for Central New Yorkers.

For those looking for immediate ways to save, Puma suggests strategic fueling. Filling up when the tank is at half or a quarter-tank can help manage weekly budgets. Many gas stations also offer lower prices through membership programs. With the uncertainty of oil prices Puma suggests now is a good time to start thinking of picking up a membership to save as much as you can at the pump. She also highlighted the AAA mobile app, which allows members and non-members to locate the cheapest gas in their immediate area. This prevents drivers from wasting fuel searching for a lower price.

“It gives you some sense of control and options during a time you kinda feel like you have to gas up and it’s going to cost a lot,” Puma said.

Even if a resolution is reached in Iran, the price at the pump will still be a cause for concern. Historically, when the global market shifts, it takes time for those savings to reach the consumer. Going back to the record highs in 2022, Puma noted it took a significant amount of time for the markets to normalize.

“The record breaking prices we saw in 2022 really started to come back down after five months,” Puma said.