Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.22, up six cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.55. The New York State average is $2.30 – up four cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.69. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.23 (up one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.24 (up five cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.26 (up one cent since last week)
• Rochester - $2.27 (up four cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.35 (up two cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.26 (up eight cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.33 (up three cents since last week)

After gas demand reached a low point recently, it is now on the rise according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The latest report shows that gas demand increased while supplies tightened amid lower refinery utilization. After decreasing for four weeks, the increase in gas demand has helped to push pump prices up across the country. The increase in the national average is likely temporary as the country enters the winter driving season — a time when gas demand typically hits the lowest levels for the year.

Crude prices also rose due to a weak dollar and increasing investment based on market optimism that coronavirus vaccines will help crude oil demand recover in 2021. Higher crude prices have also helped to lift pump prices, since the price of oil makes up over half of the cost of gasoline. Continued positive news about the vaccines will continue helping the domestic price of crude rise.

Many area gas stations continue to sell gas at prices much lower than the regional average. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App - a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Mobile.

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.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 887,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com or www.NewsRoom.AAA.com or download our mobile app at www.AAA.com/mobile.