National gas prices up by a penny - first increase in 10 weeks

Local prices continue to drop

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.78, up 1 cent since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.90. The New York average is $2.16 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the state average was $2.97.

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

• Batavia - $2.23 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.21 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.13 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.18 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.11 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.06 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.13 (down 2 cents since last week)

After steadily declining because of low gas demand and cheap crude prices due to COVID-19, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased for the first time in 10 weeks. Today’s national average is still historically low – at $1.78, which is $1.12 less than a year ago.

Data from the Energy Information Administration reveals domestic gas demand continues to increase, which helped to push up the national average. It grew from 5.31 million b/d (barrels per day) to 5.86 million b/d recently; however, it is still 3.37 million b/d lower than last year’s rate at this same time.

As more states aim to end their stay-at-home orders and businesses around the country begin to reopen, gas demand is likely to continue increasing and pump prices are likely to slow their decline and possibly increase, as well. Local prices continue to drop as they are slower to react to national trends.

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 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.