AAA: Pump prices continue to drop; Motorists enjoy lower prices for final weeks of summer

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.65, down 6 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.86. The New York state average is $2.84, down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the state average was $3.01.

AAA Western and Central New York reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.83 (up a penny since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.80 (down a penny since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.77 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.79 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.83 (down a penny since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.72 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.77 (down 2 cents since last week)

In its latest weekly report, the Energy Information Administration revealed gasoline stocks grew by an astonishing 4.4 million barrels. Total domestic stocks now sit at 235.2 million barrels. Meanwhile, gas demand grew slightly from 9.55 million barrels per day to 9.65 million barrels per day. The increasing stock levels are contributing to pump price drops this week, even though demand remains strong. If total domestic stocks continue to outpace demand, American motorists will likely continue to see pump prices drop this summer.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. One can find the lowest prices in the area at http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Locate gas prices across the country at http://gasprices.aaa.com.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.