Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.42, down 5 cents since last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.49. The New York State average is $3.52, down 4 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.68. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.39 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
•    Buffalo - $3.41 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
•    Elmira - $3.44 (down 6 cents from last Monday)
•    Ithaca - $3.52 (no change from last Monday)
•    Rochester - $3.47 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
•    Rome - $3.55 (down 6 cents from last Monday)
•    Syracuse - $3.47 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
•    Watertown - $3.51 (down 5 cents from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of gas is down again this week. Fewer people fueling up, and lower costs for oil, are behind the price dip. This morning oil prices range from $79 to $86 per barrel, up a few dollars from last week, but relatively low compared to the highs we saw last year. 

The drop in gas prices gives drivers a little more in their wallets just in time for Valentine’s Day. If gas demand and oil costs remain low, drivers will likely see pump prices drop through the week.

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand is down slightly compared to one year ago, which explains why gas prices are declining. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased significantly. If gas demand remains low amid growing total domestic stocks, pump prices will drop further.

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 news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.AAA.com.