Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.18, down one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.67. The New York State average is $2.27 – down a penny since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.76. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.21 (down one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.23 (down two cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.20 (down one cent since last week)
• Rochester - $2.25 (down one cent since last week)
• Rome - $2.32 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.21 (down one cent since last week)
• Watertown - $2.31 (down one cent since last week)

Gas prices are down by a penny in most areas, and they are significantly cheaper than last year – the national average is 49 cents cheaper than one year ago. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand saw a slight uptick, however, demand is still much lower than where it was at this time last year. That lower demand has helped pump prices to decline this week and will likely help pump prices to continue their descent as fall approaches. Crude prices may continue to increase if supplies grow tighter, but demand challenges could contain potential growth in prices.

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.