Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.48, up 15 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.04. The New York State average is $4.76, up 24 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.06. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.65 (up 31 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.63 (up 28 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.68 (up 21 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.67 (up 21 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.70 (up 27 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.72 (up 24 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.66 (up 23 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.71 (up 25 cents from last week)

Today marks record high gas prices at the national, state, and local level. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand dropped slightly. Normally a decrease in demand would bring prices down, but oil prices remain volatile.

This morning, oil prices are about $109 per barrel. Crude prices rose over growing market worries that Ukrainian and European Union actions against Russian oil-and-natural gas companies could spark retaliation by Russia leading to more market disruption and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the national average for diesel fuel hit a new record yesterday reaching $5.57. One year ago the price was $3.17. In New York, the average price for diesel is $6.50, which is also a record high set yesterday. One year ago the price was $3.23.

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 locations across the country. 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/.