Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.61, down six cents since last Monday. One year ago, the price was $4.19. The New York State average is $3.71, up two cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $4.34. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.65 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
•    Buffalo - $3.71 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
•    Elmira - $3.70 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Ithaca - $3.71 (up 6 cents from last Monday)
•    Rochester - $3.74 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
•    Rome - $3.72 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
•    Syracuse - $3.72 (up 6 cents from last Monday)
•    Watertown - $3.79 (up 10 cents from last Monday)

A lower oil price is causing pump prices to fall nationally while drivers in New York are paying more at the pump. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased significantly, which was a surprise. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased. Higher demand, alongside a decline in stocks, typically pushes pump prices up. This morning oil prices remain below $80 per barrel.

Diesel prices dipped slightly. The national average price for a gallon of diesel is $4.11, down six cents from a week ago. Here in New York, the current average for diesel is $4.75, down five cents from last week.

To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle. Get more tips here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android. 

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell. Learn more here. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Join now at AAA.com/Shell. Motorists can also locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.AAA.com.