Hochul Blames Trump for Rising Gas Prices as New York Faces Energy Costs

As gasoline and diesel prices surge across New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, attributing the increases to federal policies and the outbreak of war in Iran. The governor also highlighted concerns over the escalating costs associated with New York’s climate goals and is seeking revisions to the state’s climate law.

Gas Price Increases

According to data from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the average price of gasoline in New York has risen by 62 cents per gallon – a 21% increase – since the conflict in Iran began on February 28, 2026. Diesel prices have climbed even more sharply, increasing $1.13 per gallon, or 28% and surpassing $5.00 per gallon on March 13. Prices increased 8 cents per gallon for gasoline and 11 cents per gallon for diesel over the weekend of March 15-16.

“President Trump promised to lower energy prices, but instead, he and his administration have driven up costs for New Yorkers with illegal tariffs, and now they’re driving up gas prices with the War in Iran,” Governor Hochul stated. “As Republicans in Congress ignore these gas price hikes, I’ll retain working to tackle rising energy costs by protecting consumers, holding utility companies accountable and building more of the energy sources our state needs.”

Ratepayer Protection Plan

Governor Hochul announced her Ratepayer Protection Plan as part of her 2026 State of the State address, outlining proposals to reduce energy costs for New Yorkers. Key components of the plan include:

• Elimination of Hidden Charges: Preventing consumers from paying for inappropriate utility expenses.
• Executive Compensation Accountability: Requiring utilities to publicly disclose CEO salaries relative to average worker pay and linking executive compensation to affordability.
• Affordability-Focused Rate Cases: Prioritizing affordability when proposing new rates, with a focus on budget-constrained options.
• Expanded Affordability Programs: Increasing access to discounts, financial assistance, and energy efficiency upgrades.
• Data Center Accountability: Requiring data centers to cover their own energy costs or generate their own energy.

Climate Law Concerns and Proposed Revisions

Governor Hochul is also calling for amendments to New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), enacted in 2019. Even as not the primary driver of current high rates, the governor argues that without revisions, the CLCPA will exacerbate the situation.

An NYSERDA analysis indicates that full implementation of the CLCPA could increase annual household energy bills by an additional $4,000 for oil and natural gas households upstate and $2,300 for natural gas households in New York City by 2031. The law could also add $2.39 to the price of gasoline at that time. Businesses could see energy costs increase by 46 percent.

Governor Hochul maintains her commitment to clean energy and decarbonization but notes that factors such as post-pandemic inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the Trump administration’s policies towards renewable energy have made the original 2030 goals of the CLCPA impractical.

Local Impact

Local officials echoed the concerns about rising energy costs. North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec stated that the increases are “putting real pressure on both residents and businesses,” while Tonawanda Township Supervisor Joseph H. Emminger emphasized the significant impact on municipal budgets.