Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.55, down three cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.24. The New York State average is $2.71 – down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.64 (down three cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.63 (down one cent since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.68 (down two cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.67 (down two cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.69 (down one cent since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.62 (down one cent since last week)
• Watertown - $2.70 (down one cent since last week)

Gas prices have finally started to drop across the region. The usual January decline in prices was stalled due to the situation in the Middle East, which pushed oil prices up.  Today’s national price for a gallon of gasoline is down three cents while state prices and all regional prices are lower than last week. As long as geopolitical situations don’t escalate, motorists should continue to see more relief at the pump. January typically brings lower demand for gasoline and winter blend fuel is cheaper to produce.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. You can find the lowest prices in your 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.