Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.51, up one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.75. The New York State average is $3.60, down two cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.81. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.56 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.59 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira - $3.46 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.65 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.62 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.65 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $3.57 (no change from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.63 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

The national average price for a gallon of regular gas has jumped by one penny while local prices are fluctuating. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose unexpectedly as total domestic gasoline stocks fell. Summer road trip season is in full swing as indicated by the variety of out-of-state license plates and volume on the NYS Thruway. Gas prices have hovered around the $3.50 mark since June 26. Oil prices remain relatively low, ranging from $77 to $81 this morning.

Diesel prices are relatively steady as diesel demand is reportedly down slightly. The national average price for diesel is $3.81, down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.22, down one cent from last Monday.

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.