SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Fluctuating gas prices aren’t having a big impact on people’s plans to travel by car this summer.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Syracuse is $3.19, according to the American Automobile Association. That’s almost a dollar more than last year’s New York average of $2.26.
Despite this, more people are choosing to take road trips this summer, according to Triple-A business advisor Robert Prendergast.
“Gas prices really haven’t been deterring the travelers,” Prendergast said. “Our Triple-A store said we’re actually up 11% [in travel bookings] so gas prices are up, but people are still traveling yes.”
Prendergast says the pandemic has had a small impact on travel, especially with the unexpected rise of the delta variant. Local resident Deborah Dohne says she hasn’t driven much at all this summer because of the pandemic. “I’ve noticed it’s gone up a lot but I haven’t gone on vacation or anything like that. Driving around town doesn’t really affect me all that much,” Dohne said.
Gas prices have continued to rise because of demand. Prendergast says right now is peak driving season, so the demand for more gasoline, mixed with the decline of domestic gas stocks has contributed to the increase in prices.
Triple-A expects the average cost of gas to stay above $3 throughout the summer. The company also expects travel volumes to remain high around Labor Day.
