Diesel prices hit record high

New York ranks 2nd in nation for high prices

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Diesel fuel prices at the local, state and national levels have reached a new high today. Today’s national average price for a gallon of diesel is $5.51, up $2.41 from one year ago when the price was $3.10. In New York, the average price for diesel is $6.32, up $3.14 from one year ago when the price was $3.18.

In fact, New York ranks second in the country, based on today’s prices, for diesel fuel. California has the highest diesel prices at $6.50.

High diesel fuel prices impact businesses that need to transport goods and those that have commercial vehicles like AAA. Nearly all of AAA Western and Central New York’s tow trucks rely on diesel fuel.

“To say we’re feeling pain at the pump is an understatement,” said Steve Steinmetz, director of automotive service operations at AAA Western and Central New York. “Prices have literally doubled since last year impacting all towing companies across the state.”

Here’s a look at today’s diesel prices across the region. (Note: all of these prices are record highs set today.)

• Batavia – $6.11
• Buffalo – $6.00
• Elmira – $6.22
• Ithaca – $6.33
• Rochester – $6.08
• Rome – $6.22
• Syracuse – $6.13
• Watertown – $6.26

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. 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 the latest 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 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.