Gas prices continue seasonal decline: Lower oil prices fuel price drop

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.37, down 5 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.78. The New York state average is $3.65, down 5 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.90.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia – $3.66 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.70 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.42 (down 7 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.67 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.73 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.67 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.68 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.65 (down 8 cents from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of gas has fallen or remained flat every day since Sept. 19. That steady seasonal decline has seen the price at the pump drop 26 cents in the last month led by a drop in the price of oil. Parked in the mid-$80s per barrel in recent weeks, oil is trading between $76-$80 this morning. Since oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, less-expensive oil usually leads to falling gas prices. Global events must continue to be watched closely, as any disruption in supply could roil oil markets and spike prices.

Diesel prices are also dropping. The national average price for diesel is $4.35, down 5 cents from last Monday, and down from $5.36 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.65, down 2 cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.98 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 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.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 862,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.