Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.51, up four cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.44. The New York State average is $2.60 – up four cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.62. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.52 (up eight cents since last week, seven cents less than last year)
• Buffalo - $2.52 (up five cents since last week, four cents less than last year)
• Ithaca - $2.56 (up six cents since last week, seven cents less than last year)
• Rochester - $2.55 (up five cents since last week, two cents less than last year)
• Rome - $2.63 (up five cents since last week, one penny more than last year)
• Syracuse - $2.54 (up six cents since last week, five cents more than last year)
• Watertown - $2.63 (up four cents since last week, same price as last year)

Pump prices continue to increase again this week. In many areas across the country, gas prices have surpassed last year’s level. In Central New York, Watertown is on par with last year while Syracuse and Rome prices are slightly higher than one year ago. Other areas have not reached last year’s level as noted in the above list.

Increasing pump prices have been supported by higher crude oil prices and gas demand, which grew slightly last week though it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Based on current trends, drivers will likely see pump prices continue to increase ahead of spring.

Last week, on Wednesday, crude prices reached the highest daily settlement price since January 2020.  Crude and pump prices are likely to continue to move higher as crude inventories continue to drop and refinery utilization increases.

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App - a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Mobile.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. 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:

AAA Gas Prices