Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $1.78, up one cent since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.90. The New York State average is $2.16 – down two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.97. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.23 (down four cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.21 (down two cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.13 (down six cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.18 (down two cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.11 (down two cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.06 (down two cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.13 (down two cents since last week)

After steadily declining because of low gas demand and cheap crude prices due to COVID-19, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased for the first time in 10 weeks. Today’s national average is still historically low – at $1.78, which is $1.12 less than a year ago. Data from the Energy Information Administration reveals that domestic gas demand continues to increase, which helped to push up the national average. It grew from 5.31 million b/d (barrels per day) to 5.86 million b/d recently; however, it is still 3.37 million b/d lower than last year’s rate at this same time. As more states aim to end their stay at home orders and businesses around the country begin to reopen, gas demand is likely to continue increasing and pump prices are likely to slow their decline and possibly increase as well. Local prices continue to drop as they are slower to react to national trends.

A 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.