To the Editor:

Several NCTW readers have written to express their angst about "high gas prices" here in St. Lawrence County. Checking the per gallon price of regular grade gasoline on Monday, May 19, using the Gas Buddy app, local prices ranged from $3.33 in Potsdam, to $3.35 in Canton, and $3.39 in both Gouverneur and Ogdensburg. Area prices were lower: $3.31 in Harrisville, with Watertown prices ranging from $3.05 up to $3.22. Depending on your needs, a trip outside of our county could potentially save you enough money on your next fill-up to pay for lunch for you and a friend, or maybe a little shopping.

Why gas prices are so much higher here than elsewhere in our region has still not been satisfactorily explained by local retailers, and should warrant a closer look by NCTW's staff reporters. Nationally, according to AAA, the average price per gallon on May 19 2025 was $3.18, with Mississippians paying only $2.67 at the pump, and Californians coughing up $4.91! New York’s average was $3.13, six cents below the national average.

Looking at the year-by-year trends sheds light on an interesting fact relating to the price of gasoline and the occupant of the White House. In the four years of Obama's first term (2009-2012) the average gas price was $3.08. Obama's second term (2013-2016), $2.87. Trump's first term (2017-2020), $2.49.

Biden's only term (2021-2024), $3.22. Trump's second term is only four months old, so it's too early to tell. But, if his plan to "drill, baby, drill" is but into place gas prices for all Americans should fall.

My wife and I do our best to make our limited resources go as far as possible and, on occasion, travel to Jefferson County for shopping and lunch. We can do that because we fill up on cheap Watertown gas. In those instances, St. Lawrence County loses out on our tax dollars and local business owners lose out on the money we would have spent eating and shopping at their businesses. It would behoove the County to do what they can to bring lower gas prices to the largest county in the Empire State.

In closing, I urge all drivers to keep their tires properly inflated, give their vehicles regular oil changes and maintenance, and "don't drive like my brother," to help get the highest fuel mileage possible and stretch your gas dollars.

Dixie Dave Ellis

Hammond