Gas prices creep ahead: Milder weather and spring break road trips will drive up demand

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.35, up 9 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.40. The New York state average is $3.32, up 2 cents from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.43.

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

• Batavia – $3.28 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.30 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.21 (up 10 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.26 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.30 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.34 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.28 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.31 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

This past week, we saw the national average for a gallon of gasoline jump up by 9 cents. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for spring break season. Historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises. With milder temperatures comes more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season.

Gas demand also saw an increase last week, as total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2.8 million bbl. Growing demand amid tighter supply has also contributed to the increase in pump prices.

​This morning, oil prices range from $80 to $84 per barrel, a $4 increase from one week ago. Diesel prices are also fluctuating. The national average price for diesel is $4.05, down 2 cents from one week ago, and down from $4.39 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.39, down 1 cent from a week ago, and lower than $5.03 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.