Around Hurricane Ike-ravaged Houston, drivers are waiting hours in line for gas, and while that hasn?t happened on Long Island, many are wondering if the storm has sent gas prices higher.

Gas prices on Long Island have been rising since before Hurricane Ike blew ashore in Texas Friday. The average price for a gallon of regular gas is at $3.88, but that is still far lower than this year?s high of $4.35 set in July.

?In our area there is no justification for the way prices have gone up as they have,? Robert Sinclair, of AAA, says.

Gas used on Long Island is refined in the Northeast, experts say, and therefore prices should not be spiking. Gas station owners explain they are at the mercy of big oil companies? pricing plans. They say the recent price increases have nothing to do with price gouging.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo maintains drivers need to be vigilant about gouging though. Cuomo is encouraging anyone who sees any price gouging to call 1-800-771-7755.