Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.76, 16 cents higher than last Monday. One year ago, the price was $4.22. The New York State average is $3.82, up 12 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $4.52. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.71 (up 12 cents from last Monday)
•    Buffalo - $3.76 (up 12 cents from last Monday)
•    Elmira - $3.79 (up 17 cents from last Monday)
•    Ithaca - $3.83 (up 14 cents from last Monday)
•    Rochester - $3.80 (up 9 cents from last Monday)
•    Rome - $3.86 (up 9 cents from last Monday)
•    Syracuse - $3.79 (up 11 cents from last Monday)
•    Watertown - $3.85 (up 9 cents from last Monday)

After months of small gains, gas prices have risen dramatically over the last seven days. The main culprit is the price of oil which has increased about 15 percent in July, surpassing the 80 dollar per barrel mark. Oil is the key ingredient in the production of gasoline. Gas supply is lower as well. Extreme heat in several parts of the country has resulted in lower production volumes at several refineries. Even with demand for gas lower than it was a year ago drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump. Today’s national average of $3.76 is 22 cents more than a month ago, but 46 cents less than a year ago.

This morning, diesel prices are up as well. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up 16 cents from last week, but down from $5.29 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.38, up 4 cents from last week, but still much lower than $5.82 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.