UPDATE: Consumers Can Expect Small Break at the Pump Starting March 1

* Editor's Note:  A technical error has prevented this cost-saving measure from going into effect. According to a statement sent to the media by the Suffolk County Legislature's Presiding Officer William Lindsay, the law was never filed with New York State as required by state law.

“We all looked forward to the tax relief this tax cap, which earned wide bipartisan support, would have given to the consumer during these times of rapidly increasing gasoline prices," said Lindsay.

Lindsay says the legislature plans to meet on Thursday to pass a new resolution that will allow the county executive to file it with the state. Once filed, the law will go into effect in three month's time. 

A tax cap passed by Suffolk County Legislators taking effect Tuesday will offer consumers a slight break at the pumps, a welcome relief as prices approach $4 a gallon.

Passed on Aug. 3, 2010, the tax cap will limit Suffolk County's sales tax levy on motor and diesel fuel once prices hit $3 a gallon.

The price of gas at the pump has risen drastically in Westhampton-Hampton Bays. At the Shell Station, located at 250 East Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, manager Bert Gossoo said prices fluctuate from day to day. On Feb 28, the price of of regular was $3.64 a gallon and on March 1 it rose to $3.69 a gallon.

Gossoo could not say what impact the gas cap has on his customers. 

"I think it is too early to tell," he said.

At Spirit Gas in East Quogue, manager Kevin Rushlo said the price rose from $3.49 a gallon on Feb.  25 to $3.52 a gallon on March 1.

"I'd say we have the lowest prices at the moment," said Rushlo.

According to Robert Lipp, deputy director with the Suffolk County Legislature Budget Review Office, since the county tax cap starts at the $3 wholesale price, customers would only start seeing relief with pump prices above $3.30 a gallon. Though, the county tax only equates to a few cents per gallon.

Lipp, who voted against the cap, added that the average annual savings for drivers – at $3.50 per gallon, 12,000 miles per year, 20 miles per gallon – will be $8.

"That's $8 on my pocket that isn't going to the government," said Bill Faulk, legislative aide for Legis. Ed Romaine, who co-sponsored the bill.

The tax cap does not affect home heating fuel oil, though the bill's sponsor, Legis. Tom Muratore, R-Selden, said the county is currently looking into the current tax structure.

According to LongIslandGasPrices.com, a website which allows users to post where they can find the cheapest prices around, the average cost of regular gas on Long Island has risen from $3.36 a gallon to $3.59 a gallon in the past 30 days. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, New York State saw its regular grade gas prices rise from $3.33 to $3.54 in February.