Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.60, down two cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.63. The New York State average is $2.69 – down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.87. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.65 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.62 (down two cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.66 (down one cent since last week)
• Rochester - $2.66 (down one cent since last week)
• Rome - $2.63 (down one cent since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.58 (down one cent since last week)
• Watertown - $2.66 (up one cent since last week)

After decreasing for several weeks, stock levels are bouncing back. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) now says that total domestic stocks of gasoline grew by 1.9 million barrels – that’s lower than last year at this time, but enough to bring gas prices down slightly over the weekend. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, oil prices increased by 95 cents to settle at $57.72, up slightly (48 cents) from the previous week. Crude prices have slowly been on the rise due to increased optimism that China and the U.S. – the world’s two largest crude consumers – are continuing to resolve ongoing trade tensions that sparked market fears that global crude demand would suffer as a result of increased tariffs between both countries. Crude inventories are up alleviating pressure on pump prices.

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.