(Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel is urging state and federal officials to investigate consistently high fuel prices in the region. He is calling for greater transparency and accountability on behalf of local residents and businesses.)
MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. is calling on both state and federal authorities to investigate persistently high gasoline prices in Chautauqua County, which continue to outpace both the New York State and national averages.
In a formal letter last week, County Executive Wendel addressed New York State Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Attorney Joel Violanti of the Western District of New York, urging their offices to examine whether legal or regulatory action is warranted regarding the inflated fuel costs that continue to burden county residents.
“Chautauqua County families, small businesses, and commuters are paying more at the pump than their neighbors in surrounding counties,” said Wendel. “This disparity demands answers and, if necessary, action to protect the economic well-being of our community.”
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of regular gasoline in Chautauqua County stood at $3.289 per gallon as of June 9—well above the state average of $3.104 and the national average of $3.124. Counties in the surrounding region, including Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chemung, are all seeing notably lower prices, even while some counties have higher sales tax rates.
The letter follows up on previous work that County Executive Wendel has undertaken to find answers for Chautauqua County’s high gas prices and is a testament to Wendel’s commitment to provide financial relief to county residents.
Wendel’s request includes a call for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to consider whether any violations of federal law—such as anti-competitive practices—may be influencing fuel prices locally. He also asked the State Attorney General’s Office to evaluate potential breaches of consumer protection laws.
“Our residents deserve transparency, fairness, and relief,” Wendel stated in the letter. “We must ensure that no market manipulation or price gouging is taking place at the expense of working families.”
Wendel expressed appreciation for both offices’ commitment to justice and consumer rights, and invited their cooperation in investigating the issue further.
