Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.87, up 25 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.05. The New York State average is $4.88, down 5 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.09. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.75 (down 9 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $4.72 (down 11 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira - $4.78 (down 9 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $4.79 (down 8 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $4.79 (down 10 cents from last Monday)
• Rome - $4.79 (down 9 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $4.74 (down 12 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown - $4.80 (down 9 cents from last Monday)

This morning, oil prices are at about $120 per barrel. Crude prices have increased amid supply concerns from the market as the European Union works to implement a 90 percent ban on Russian oil imports by the end of this year. Crude prices were also boosted by increased demand expectations from the market after China lifted COVID-19 restrictions in Shanghai. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic stocks decreased. As a result, the current storage level is approximately 13.5 percent lower than a year ago, contributing to rising crude prices.

Locally, prices have decreased due to the gas tax cap in New York and additional many counties while prices across the country are increasing rapidly due to high oil prices and increased demand.

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 the latest news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.aaa.com.