Gas Demand Softens as Students Return to School in Many Areas

Gas Demand Softens as Students Return to School in Many Areas

Prices expected to remain over $3 per gallon
Elizabeth Carey
paying at the gas pump

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.19, no change in the past week. One year ago, the price was $2.18. The New York State average is $3.22 – up one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.25. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following prices compared to last week:

  • Batavia - $3.24 (up three cents)
  • Buffalo - $3.15 (no change)
  • Ithaca - $3.19 (down one cent)
  • Rochester - $3.20 (no change)
  • Rome - $3.27 (up one cent)
  • Syracuse - $3.19 (no change)
  • Watertown - $3.22 (down one cent)

Summer gasoline demand is beginning to slow down. In a recent report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that gas demand dropped slightly, signaling that summer gas demand is likely softening as the school year starts in many parts of the country, in addition to COVID concerns. Additionally, total domestic gas stocks declined. The drop in demand has helped to minimize pump price increases. Crude prices have declined slightly due to market concerns that crude demand may not rebound this year as anticipated due to surging coronavirus infection rates across the globe. However, crude prices remain close to $70 per barrel, so AAA expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer. Locally demand will likely remain high as Labor Day travel kicks in and students return to school later than in other parts of the country.

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android - a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance, map a route, find discounts, or book a hotel. 

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Save 30 cents per gallon on your first fill-up at Shell when you join between July 1 and August 31, 2021. 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:

AAA Gas Prices