Gas prices edge lower: Demand for fuel drops off as oil prices remain stagnant

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.50, down 2 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.59. The New York state average is $3.62, down 1 cent from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.69.

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

√ Batavia – $3.54 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Buffalo – $3.60 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Elmira – $3.49 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Ithaca – $3.67 (no change from last Monday)

√ Rochester – $3.63 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Rome – $3.67 (up 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Syracuse – $3.57 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Watertown – $3.64 (down 2 cents from last Monday)

The average price for a gallon of regular gas has fallen across the country and in New York, with both averages slightly below where they were one year ago. The price of oil remains stagnant, trading in the low $80s per barrel this morning. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates a drop in demand for fuel at the height of the summer driving season, while the supply of gas is down slightly. Gasoline production was off slightly as Gulf Coast refineries recovered from Hurricane Beryl.

Diesel prices are relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $3.83, down 3 cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.23, down 1 cent from last Monday.

​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.