Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.26, up one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.59. The New York State average is $2.33 – up one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.72. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.27 (up two cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.26 (down one cent since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.30 (up one cent since last week)
• Rochester - $2.30 (no change since last week)
• Rome - $2.38 (up one cent since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.28 (down one cent since last week)
• Watertown - $2.36 (no change since last week)

Upward price movement at the state level has pushed the national gas price average up to the highest level since stay-at-home guidance was issued in mid-March. This is the result of higher oil prices - crude oil pricing reached the highest levels since February. 

The month of December has seen the biggest pump price jump of any month this year, ending with a national average 11 cents higher than it began. Despite low demand, pump prices are more expensive because crude oil has seen steady gains. However, gas prices remain much lower than one year ago.

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.