Gas prices steady as Thanksgiving approaches

Demand will increase this week with holiday travelers on the roads

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.59, down 1 cent since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.56. The New York average is $2.68, down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the state average was $2.83.

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

• Batavia – $2.66 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo – $2.63 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca – $2.67 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester – $2.67 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rome – $2.62 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse – $2.58 (no change since last week)
• Watertown – $2.66 (no change since last week)

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is down a penny as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) revealed total domestic gas stocks were up last week, though they are lower than where they were last year at this time. Growth in stocks and lower gasoline demand have helped to push the national average down by a cent. However, demand is likely to increase with holiday travel.

This year, AAA expects more than 55 million people to travel for Thanksgiving. The majority of travelers will travel by car, but air travel is expected to be up almost 5%. Gas prices are not expected to deter any travelers from making their holiday trips.

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.