Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.16, up three cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.58. The New York State average is $2.25 – up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.68. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.22 (up three cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.19 (up two cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.24 (up six cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.24 (up three cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.33 (up three cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.19 (up five cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.30 (up two cents since last week)

The national average price for a gallon of gas has inched up four cents in the past month, but it is 42 cents lower than last year at this time. Since mid-November, domestic crude prices have steadily increased topping $45 per barrel, contributing to pump prices rising across the country. Crude prices increased amid growing market optimism that vaccines for the coronavirus will be available in coming weeks, but then oil prices stalled as the number of infections surged domestically. 

Going forward, low demand will likely limit price gains, with the latest report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showing that demand decreased dropped to its the lowest reading since early June. Demand typically drops in the winter driving season, so American drivers should expect gas prices to remain lower when compared to last year’s pump prices, moving into 2021.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Locate gas prices across the country at http://gasprices.aaa.com.