Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.36, down 17 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.16. The New York State average is $4.58, down 12 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.19. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.52 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.58 (down 11 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.60 (down 11 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.71 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.68 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.76 (down 7 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.65 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.75 (down 9 cents from last week)

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased last week but was lower than this time last year and was more in line with the demand seen in mid-July 2020, when COVID-19 regulations curbed demand. Additionally, total domestic gasoline socks increased, signaling that low demand led to growth in inventory last week. If demand remains low as stocks increase, alongside a continuing reduction in crude oil prices, drivers will likely see pump prices continue to decline.

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.