Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.81, down four cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.80. The New York State average is $3.89, down three cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.60. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.82 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
•    Buffalo - $3.86 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Elmira - $3.79 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Ithaca - $3.93 (no change from last Monday)
•    Rochester - $3.89 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Rome - $3.93 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Syracuse - $3.88 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Watertown - $3.93 (down 3 cents from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of gas only fell four cents since last week. The slow descent is due to the high cost of oil, which is the main ingredient in gasoline.  This morning, oil prices are in the low $90s per barrel.

According to new the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose slightly, however, it is below last year’s rate. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased. Growing supply, amid slower demand, has pushed prices lower. Still, fluctuating oil prices have limited seasonal price decreases typically seen as the country settles into the lower demand fall driving season.

There is mixed data when it comes to diesel prices. The national average price for diesel is $4.56 down one cent from last Monday, and down from $4.87 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.75, up one cent from a week ago, but lower than $5.00 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.