Gas prices make a pit stop

Indiana refinery set to reopen, easing national gas average

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.26, down 2 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.37. The New York state average is $3.30, no change from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.45.

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

• Batavia – $3.23 (no change from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.29 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.11 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.23 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.26 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.33 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.24 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.29 (no change from last Monday)

After spiking more than a dime two weeks ago, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has had a calm week by remaining at $3.27. Recent news that the large BP-Whiting refinery in Indiana – which has been offline since early February due to power issues – is reopening soon may have contributed to easing pump price nerves. This refinery processes nearly 440,000 barrels of crude oil daily, and the shutdown caused gasoline prices throughout the Midwest to rise, bringing the national average up with it.

Additionally, milder weather and longer days are in the forecast, which means the seasonal rise in gas prices is primed to begin. Experts project it will be a slow, wobbly start to rising prices this spring.

​This morning, oil prices range from $76 to $81 per barrel, a $2 decrease from one week ago. Diesel prices are also fluctuating. The national average price for diesel is $4.07, down 3 cents from one week ago, and down from $4.43 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.40, down 1 cent from a week ago, and lower than $5.07 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.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 860,000 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.