Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.40 up five cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.47. The New York State average is $3.34, up two cents from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.46. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.25 (down three cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.30 (no change from last Monday)
• Elmira - $3.21 (no change from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.26 (no change from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.30 (no change from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.36 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $3.29 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.33 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

More expensive crude oil is a likely culprit of this national increase, as crude accounts for nearly 60% of the price drivers see at the pump. The cost for a barrel of oil is hovering around $80, about $10 more per barrel than a few months ago.

Daylight Saving Time took place on Sunday, meaning spring is nearly here and with it comes longer days, better weather, and more opportunities to hit the road. As more motorists hit the road, pump prices will reflect the rising gasoline demand—a trend seen every spring. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand jumped up last week while total domestic gasoline stocks tightened. Growing gas demand, amid tighter supply, has pushed pump prices higher.

This morning, oil prices range from $78 to $83 per barrel, a $1 decrease from one week ago. Diesel prices are also fluctuating. The national average price for diesel is $4.03, down 2 cents from one week ago, and down from $4.36 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.40, up 1 cent from a week ago, and lower than $4.99 one year ago.

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.