Mayor Buckley still looking for answers on gas prices in the Canisteo Valley, sends letter to Governor Hochul

Local price update as of 11/12/26

From City of Hornell Mayor John Buckley,

Earlier this year, I brought attention to the significant disparity in gasoline prices between our communities here in the Canisteo Valley and neighboring areas such as Bath. For several years, residents in Hornell, Canisteo, North Hornell, Arkport, and Hornellsville have routinely paid 30 to 40 cents more per gallon at local gas stations, despite being just a short distance from communities enjoying considerably lower prices.

From GasBuddy.com comparing current prices at the pump in Bath NY with Hornell NY

Recognizing that this issue affects far more than just the City of Hornell, I reached out to our neighboring mayors and the Town of Hornellsville Supervisor to bring our communities together and form a united effort to get some answers. We agreed that our residents deserve an explanation, and we’ve been working together to get one.

Here’s a timeline of those efforts:

January 28, 2026: The municipal leaders of Hornell, Canisteo, North Hornell, Arkport, and Hornellsville jointly submitted a formal inquiry to the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the Department of Taxation and Finance, requesting assistance in examining regional gasoline pricing and distribution.

April 28, 2026: After receiving no response, we submitted a follow-up letter requesting an update.

July 1, 2026: Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski joined together in a formal legislative request to the respective state agencies, asking for an evaluation of the regional gasoline market and guidance.

November 10, 2026: Having still received no acknowledgment or response, I’ve now taken the matter directly to Governor Kathy Hochul, formally requesting her intervention and asking that the appropriate agencies provide answers.

I want to be clear about something. We’re not asking the state to dictate gasoline prices, nor are we accusing anyone of wrongdoing. We’re asking for transparency, an objective examination of the situation, and an explanation of why our residents continue to pay substantially more than motorists in nearby communities.

Frankly, it’s frustrating. When local elected officials and our state representatives come together to advocate for the people they serve, the least we should expect is a response. Our communities deserve better than silence.

I’ll continue pushing this issue, working alongside our neighboring municipal leaders, until we get some answers. It’s about fairness, transparency, and looking out for the people who live and work in our communities.

Mayor Buckley sent this letter to NYS Governor Kathy Hochul on November 10

RE: Request for Executive Intervention — Persistent Gasoline Price Disparities in the Canisteo Valley

Dear Governor Hochul:

I am writing on behalf of the municipal leaders and residents of the Canisteo Valley to request your assistance in addressing a longstanding concern involving significant gasoline price disparities in our region and, more importantly, the lack of response from the state agencies charged with protecting consumers.

For several years, motorists in the City of Hornell, the Villages of Canisteo, North Hornell and Arkport, and the Town of Hornellsville have experienced gasoline prices consistently and substantially higher than those in neighboring communities. On numerous occasions, the difference has ranged from 30 to 40 cents per gallon compared to prices in places such as the Village of Bath, approximately 20 miles away along Interstate 86.

We recognize that gasoline prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including supply, transportation, distribution, and local market conditions. However, the consistency and magnitude of this disparity, particularly between communities in such close geographic proximity, raise legitimate questions that deserve examination. For residents of our rural communities, where personal vehicles are essential for getting to work, accessing healthcare, and meeting everyday needs, these differences represent a considerable and recurring expense.

In an effort to better understand these pricing patterns and determine whether there are identifiable factors contributing to them, our local governments have taken the following steps:

• January 28, 2026: The municipal leaders of our communities jointly submitted a formal request to the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the Department of Taxation and Finance, seeking assistance in examining regional gasoline pricing, distribution, and supply conditions.
  • April 28, 2026: Having received no acknowledgment or response, we submitted a written follow-up requesting an update on the status of our inquiry and any preliminary findings or anticipated next steps.
  • July 1, 2026: Recognizing the importance of this issue and the need for state-level attention, State Senator Thomas F. O’Mara, Assemblyman Philip A. Palmesano, and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski joined in a formal legislative request to Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley and Taxation and Finance Commissioner Amanda Hiller, urging their respective agencies to evaluate the regional marketplace and provide guidance.

Despite these efforts, nearly ten months after our initial correspondence, our municipal offices have yet to receive even an acknowledgment from either agency. That is particularly disappointing given that this is a legitimate consumer concern raised collectively by local governments and subsequently brought forward by our state representatives.

As small municipalities, we recognize that we do not have the resources, technical expertise, or regulatory authority to independently investigate the complexities of fuel distribution and pricing. That is precisely why we have turned to the appropriate state agencies for assistance. We are not asking the state to dictate gasoline prices or presume that any wrongdoing has occurred. We are simply asking for an objective examination of the circumstances and an explanation of why our residents continue to experience such a substantial price difference compared to nearby communities.

Governor Hochul, I respectfully ask that you direct the appropriate state agencies to:

l. Acknowledge and formally address the inquiries submitted by our municipal leaders and state legislators;

• Examine the regional gasoline pricing disparities and determine whether differences in supply, distribution, taxation, or other market conditions help explain the pricing patterns; and
• Provide our communities with a written response outlining any findings, available consumer protections, and appropriate next steps.

At a minimum, our residents and local officials deserve a response. When local governments and their elected state representatives work together to raise a legitimate concern affecting the pocketbooks of working families, seniors, and everyday motorists, it is reasonable to expect that those concerns will receive attention.

We are not looking to assign blame or draw premature conclusions. We are looking for answers, transparency, and a better understanding of what is happening in our regional gasoline market. After repeated attempts through the appropriate channels, we believe it is now reasonable to ask for your office’s assistance in moving this matter forward.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with your staff or provide any additional information that may assist in addressing this matter. We look forward to your response.