Gas prices fall ahead of Thanksgiving holiday

Decrease in price of oil triggers relief at the pump

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.66, down 11 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.41. The New York state average is $3.85, down 5 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.57.

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

• Batavia – $3.71 (down 7 cents from last week)
• Buffalo – $3.76 (down 2 cents from last week)
• Elmira – $3.69 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Ithaca – $3.80 (no change from last week)
• Rochester – $3.80 (down 2 cents from last week)
• Rome – $3.89 (down 2 cents from last week)
• Syracuse – $3.77 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Watertown – $3.91 (down 4 cents from last week)

Gas prices nationally are down this week, led by a decrease in the cost of oil. Lower demand, coupled with increased production from refineries that came back online after being shut down for scheduled maintenance, is producing relief at the pump heading into the Thanksgiving holiday week. The price drop is being mirrored in New York with falling prices in just about every region. While the average price from a gallon of regular is 28 cents higher than it was last year at this time, New Yorkers are projected to hit the roads in record numbers for Thanksgiving.

This morning, oil prices range from $80 to $87 per barrel, down from $89 to $96 one week ago.

Diesel fuel prices remain elevated with the national average at $5.30, up from $3.65 one year ago. The New York average for diesel is $5.95 compared to $3.76 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 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.