Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday warned gas stations to honor New York's seven-month gas tax suspension that has been in effect for the last two weeks. 

Consumers are facing record gas prices over the last several weeks. AAA reported the average per gallon price of gas in New York has pierced $5. 

“As gas prices surge nationwide, we are doing all we can to provide some financial relief for New Yorkers,” James said. “New York’s gas stations are required to suspend state and local taxes through the end of the year to help working families because every penny off will help offset the rising costs of gas. I encourage consumers who suspect that their gas station is not following the rules to contact my office.”

New York lifted 16 cents in gas taxes as part of a state budget agreement in April. Some county governments have also capped their sales taxes for gasoline purchases in response. 

High gas prices are battering consumers along with spiking inflation, driving concerns a recession is likely within the next several months. 

James' office in a letter sent this week to the New York Association of Convenience Stores reminded retailers of the gas tax suspension. 

"Specifically, consumers have reported that the price per gallon they were charged did not reflect the price reduction required by the Gas Tax Holiday," James wrote in the letter. "Accordingly, we ask the New York Association of Convenience Stores to encourage its members to review the requirements of the Gas Tax Holiday and applicable local tax rate changes in their jurisdiction and ensure that the per gallon fuel prices they charge consumers complies with these requirements."

Consumers can file complaints with the state attorney general's office if they believe retailers are not following the measure.