Gas prices march higher with arrival of spring

Rising oil prices push pump prices higher

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.53, up 6 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.44. The New York state average is $3.43, also up 6 cents from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.43.

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

• Batavia: $3.31 (up 6 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo: $3.35 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira: $3.30 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca: $3.37 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester: $3.36 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
• Rome: $3.47 (up 7 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse: $3.38 (up 7 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown: $3.47 (up 9 cents from last Monday)

While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped to push pump prices higher. Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures, rising with the arrival of spring. The demand for gasoline increasing during spring break also pushes pump prices higher.

Administration (EIA) reveals gas demand increased slightly over the last week, following the end of spring break for many schools, while domestic supply has fallen. Lower demand would typically contribute to pushing prices lower or slowing increases, but rising oil prices have pushed pump prices higher instead.

The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.

Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up 1 cent from last Monday. The New York average is $4.40, also up 1 cent from a week 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 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 860,000 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.