By AAA of Western and Central New York
Monday's national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.61, which is up 6 cents compared to one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.28. The New York state average is $2.73, which is up 4 cents from last week. A year ago, the state average was $2.42.
AAA Western and Central New York reports the following averages:
- Batavia - $2.67 (up 3 cents in past week)
- Buffalo - $2.69 (up 3 cents in past week)
- Ithaca - $2.71 (up 6 cents in past week)
- Rochester - $2.70 (up 6 cents in past week)
- Rome - $2.71 (up 1 cent in past week)
- Syracuse - $2.70 (up 8 cents in past week)
- Watertown - $2.73 (up 3 cents in past week)
As predicted, higher gas prices have arrived at a pump near you. Monday's national average price ($2.61) is 6 cents more than last week, 9 cents more than a month ago, and 33 cents more than last year. Gas prices around the country are on the rise as demand is very robust for this time of year. The arrival of spring brought the expected increase. AAA attributes the hikes to higher demand for gas from spring break travelers in advance of the busy summer driving season, along with rising crude oil prices and lower gas supplies.
Expect prices to move even higher in April when Easter travel will take place. But that is not expected to deter families from taking trips. A recent AAA survey shows 88 million Americans plan to take family vacations this year. Expensive gas prices - the highest prices seen since 2014 - are not stopping vacation planners from packing up their cars for a road trip. That is the most popular option for family vacations, with nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of those planning a trip expected to hit the roads this year.
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.
AAA WCNY wants to remind members they can receive discounts at NOCO gas stations, as well as Fastrac locations. Learn more
HERE. One can find the lowest prices in the area at
http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx.
31,000-plus AAA Inspected & Approved Restaurants available on Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Consumers can now look beyond their fingertips to find a AAA Diamond-rated restaurant. AAA has made it as simple as asking Amazon Alexa or Google Home for suggestions. With access to 31,000 AAA Inspected & Approved restaurants, the voice-based technologies can help consumers pinpoint a restaurant locally or find the perfect place to dine while traveling on a vacation.
"Consumers want information instantly and easily. Voice-based technologies, like Alexa and Google Home, are driving this trend," said Ramon Millan, vice president, chief technology and digital officer at AAA's national office. "AAA continues to innovate and promote these exciting new approaches and, in so doing, is meeting and exceeding the needs of AAA members and other consumers alike while providing the most convenient access to Diamond-rated restaurants."
Using the technology, consumers can interact in an instant with the trusted information from AAA's TourBook guides to find local restaurants and even get an explanation on the AAA Diamond rating system. To find a AAA Diamond-rated restaurant, use these commands and tips:
"Alexa, tell AAA to find me a restaurant."
"OK Google, tell AAA Restaurants to find me a restaurant."
Be sure to pronounce AAA as "Triple A."
Alexa users must
enable the skill before they can access Diamond-rated restaurants.
AAA is working to apply the technology to be compatible with other voice-based devices and expand the capabilities.
As upstate New York's largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 870,000 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.
