Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.77, down four cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.89. The New York State average is $2.18 – down four cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.96. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.27 (down one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.23 (down four cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.19 (down seven cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.20 (down two cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.13 (down eight cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.08 (down six cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.15 (down four cents since last week)

Pump prices have consistently declined for nine weeks as Americans follow stay at home orders and crude prices remain low due to COVID-19. Data from the Energy Information Administration revealed that demand increased slightly from 5.1 million b/d (barrels per day) to 5.3 million b/d last week. An increase in demand may begin to slow the slide in pump prices, but prices will still be well below last year’s levels. When compared to a year ago, the national average today is $1.12 lower.

Domestic crude oil prices (West Texas Intermediate) hit negative territory last week for the first time in history. Domestic crude prices have since moved back into positive territory, but they remain volatile. Prices are being impacted by low demand along with geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as reports that some participants are violating an OPEC agreement. The production reduction agreement between OPEC and major crude producers, including Russia, calls for a May 1st reduction in production, but some participants have started to cut production already. The agreement is expected to cut global oil production by 9.7 million b/d for May and June 2020 and continue with cuts into 2022.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. You can find the lowest prices in your area at http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Locate gas prices across the country at http://gasprices.aaa.com.