Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.11, up three cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.51. The New York State average is $3.26, no change from one week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.57. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.29 (no change from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.36 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira - $3.04 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.20 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.26 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.27 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $3.23 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.15 (no change from last Monday)

Since last week, the national average for a gallon of gas has barely risen three cents as local gas prices have remained relatively steady with a slight decline in most areas. This is likely caused by low gas demand countered by slightly higher costs for oil. December and January are when we typically see lower gas prices. Due to fluctuating oil prices, lower gas demand, and rising total domestic gasoline stocks, drivers could see pump prices increase steadily in the weeks ahead.

This morning, oil prices range from $78 to $84 per barrel, a $6 increase from one week ago. Diesel prices are also steady. The national average price for diesel is $3.91, with no change from one week ago, and down from $4.69 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.40, also no change from a week ago, and lower than $5.29 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.