Gas prices continue falling, as lower demand & increased supply drive prices down

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.14, down 12 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.31. The New York state average is $3.49, down 10 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.51.

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

√ Batavia – $3.39 (down 8 cents from last week)

√ Buffalo – $3.54 (down 8 cents from last week)

√ Elmira – $3.42 (down 4 cents from last week)

√ Ithaca – $3.62 (down 9 cents from last week)

√ Rochester – $3.57 (down 7 cents from last week)

√ Rome – $3.56 (down 11 cents from last week)

√ Syracuse – $3.50 (down 7 cents from last week)

√ Watertown – $3.53 (down 11 cents from last week)

New York’s average for a gallon of regular is now lower than it was a year ago. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand remains low while stocks continue to rise. This coincides with the arrival of the winter driving season when fewer people hit the roads due to less daylight and more inclement weather. As demand remains low and supplies grow, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices decrease ahead of Christmas.

Crude prices have increased over the last week due to a weaker dollar and higher market optimism after new data showed that inflation rose at its slowest rate since December 2021. This morning, oil prices range from $74 to $79 per barrel, up $4 per barrel from one week ago.

Diesel fuel prices dropped, as well, with the national average at $4.77, down 15 cents from last week, but up from $3.59 one year ago. The New York average for diesel is $5.46, down 14 cents from last week and up from $3.73 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 the latest 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 887,000 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.