Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.10, down three cents from last Tuesday. One year ago, the price was $3.22. The New York State average is $3.35, down three cents from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.40. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.41 (down 3 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Buffalo - $3.48 (down 4 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Elmira - $3.13 (down 2 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Ithaca - $3.38 (down 4 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Rochester - $3.44 (down 3 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Rome - $3.38 (down 2 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Syracuse - $3.36 (down 2 cents from last Tuesday)
•    Watertown - $3.19 (down 4 cents from last Tuesday)

The new year is beginning with a drop in the average price of gas, down three cents nationally from last Tuesday. The drop comes after the national average for a gallon of regular rose the previous week for the first time since September. The New York average is also down three cents from a week ago, continuing a trend that is reflected in local gas prices as well. 

Historically, this time of year sees upward and downward fluctuations in the price of gas. A retreat by oil prices over the last week into the mid-$70s per barrel is helping drive the price of gas down at the start of 2024. Demand for gas is expected to taper this week after the busy holiday travel period. AAA estimates nearly 104 million motorists drove 50 miles or more from their home during the 10-day period between December 23 and January 1.

Diesel prices are also moving lower. The national average price for diesel is $3.98, down three cents from one week ago, and down from $4.68 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.46, down two cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.33 one year ago. 

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.