Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.80, up 7 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.20. The New York State average is $3.60, down 8 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.28. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.78 (down 7 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.72 (down 7 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $3.47 (down 13 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.76 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.71 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.76 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.64 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.75 (down 9 cents from last week)

Higher gasoline demand amid tight supply and fluctuating oil prices have increased the national average. If demand remains robust as supply tightens, drivers should brace for rising pump prices. Locally, prices continue to drop despite extremely high prices out west – the average price in California, for example, is $6.38.

Crude prices have increased due to market concerns about oil supply. According to the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 11 percent of crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico was shuttered to prevent damage from Hurricane Ian. Moreover, reports have emerged that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies – including Russia – known as OPEC+ intend to announce collective oil production cuts at their next meeting on October 5. This morning, oil prices are up about $4 per barrel – they range from $82 to $88 per barrel.

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.