Watertown gas prices fall again, but remain well above last year
Watertown’s average gas price fell to $4.47 in the latest weekly survey, extending a two-week decline as prices across the North Country and New York also eased.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Gas prices in Watertown and across the North Country fell again in the latest weekly survey, offering limited relief to drivers as prices remain well above last year’s levels.
Watertown’s average price was $4.47 a gallon as of Oct. 19, down 4 cents from the previous Monday, according to a local report citing AAA data. New York’s statewide average was $4.42, down 3 cents. AAA’s national average was $4.2953 on Oct. 19, compared with $4.3556 a week earlier.
The decline follows a drop earlier in the month. Watertown averaged $4.54 a gallon on Oct. 5, down 3 cents from the previous week, and was the highest-priced market in the area that week. Rome was second at $4.46.
Why prices are easing
Reporters have attributed the recent decline to lower demand and refineries switching to a cheaper winter-blend fuel. AAA Northeast also said increased gasoline imports into the region helped ease prices.
AAA said the national average has remained above $4 since late July and is more than $1 higher than a year ago. The organization said crude oil has been near $100 a barrel. NBC News linked elevated prices to the war between the United States and Israel and Iran, along with constrained oil supplies.
New York’s gas tax is about 33 cents a gallon. During spring 2026, state senators asked Gov. Kathy Hochul for a gas-tax holiday. Her office pointed to federal action instead. New York’s statewide average was reported as $4.41 in an AAA release and $4.42 in the local Oct. 19 report, a difference attributed to timing.
What it means locally
Watertown has been among the most expensive markets in the area. In June, AAA said Jefferson County’s average was about 7 cents lower than St. Lawrence County’s. Drivers in Canton have said the cost remains difficult, particularly for long trips.
Prices can also vary by local sales tax. Some counties charge 7% on gasoline, while others charge 8%.
The changes affect drivers throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, including people commuting to Fort Drum, traveling across the Thousand Islands region and Tug Hill, and making longer trips through the North Country. The latest decline may reduce costs somewhat, but the regional averages remain elevated compared with last year.
What happens next
AAA updates its state and national averages daily and issues its weekly release on Mondays. The organization expects prices to decline seasonally during the fall, while warning that oil-market volatility has pushed prices to seasonal records this year.
Crude oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East remain the main risks to further declines. Readers can follow updates through AAA’s gas-price tracker.
This was submitted by a ClickNNY user and has not been independently verified by ClickNNY.com editorial.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Fall foliage on Fort Drum and in the North Country: what to know
Fall color is on display across Fort Drum and the North Country, with recreation access rules, trail information and seasonal updates available for visitors.
ClickNNY Guide · Thousand Islands
Fishing the St. Lawrence River after summer: a fall and ice fishing guide to the Thousand Islands
When the tour boats leave, the St. Lawrence becomes a different river. Here's what's biting in the fall, how ice fishing works, exactly what to bring, how to stay safe, and where to stay, whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Your first North Country winter: a survival guide for Fort Drum soldiers from the South
Never driven on snow, owned a snow blower or felt a February morning at Fort Drum? Here's what to wear, what to keep in your car and how to get through your first lake-effect winter.