As we say goodbye to January, we enter season of increasing pump prices

National gas prices slowly heat up

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.15, up 4 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.48. The New York state average is $3.28, up 2 cents from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.56.

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

• Batavia – $3.24 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.33 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.06 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.21 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.26 (no change from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.34 (up 7 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.24 (up 1 cent from last Monday)

Watertown – $3.18 (up 3 cents from last Monday)

Since last week, the national average for a gallon of gas has risen another 4 cents as we begin to see an increase in local gas prices in most areas. The upward trend is likely a combination of oil costs and normal seasonal increases as winter eases and the demand for gas creeps higher.

We are entering the time of year where pump prices begin to heat up, typically peaking around July, but unless there is a major shock to the global oil market that causes prices to spike, the national average will likely continue its slow upward trend with a few flat days or even small price dips along the way.

​This morning, oil prices range from $72 to $78 per barrel, a $6 decrease from one week ago. Diesel prices are also fluctuating. The national average price for diesel is $3.93, up 2 cents from one week ago, and down from $4.64 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.39, down 1 cent from a week ago, and lower than $5.27 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 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.