Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.23, up 13 cents since last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.29. The New York State average is $3.42, up one cent since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.49. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.31 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.44 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira - $3.30 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.55 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.48 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.54 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $3.40 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.43 (down 2 cents from last Monday)

New York’s average for a gallon of regular remains lower than it was a year ago. The question is for how long? Drivers across the state are bracing for the impact of the conclusion of the gas tax suspension, which came to an end on January 1. Prices are expected to rise as the state and counties resume the full collection of gas taxes. The good news, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand remains low while stocks continue to rise.

Crude prices have increased recently but are neutral over the last week. This morning oil prices range from $78 to $84 per barrel, down one dollar on the lower end of the range but unchanged at the top end. 
Diesel fuel prices moved up slightly with the national average at $4.68, up one cent from last Monday, and up from $3.57 one year ago. The New York average for diesel is $5.33, down 3 cents from last Monday and up from $3.72 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 now 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.