National Gas Prices Drop

National Gas Prices Drop

Coronavirus leads to drop in demand for oil
Elizabeth Carey
gas prices

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.44, down three cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.43. The New York State average is $2.59 – down two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia - $2.59 (no change since last week)
  • Buffalo - $2.53 (down one cent since last week)
  • Ithaca - $2.62 (no change since last week)
  • Rochester - $2.56 (up one cent since last week)
  • Rome - $2.61 (down one cent since last week)
  • Syracuse - $2.51 (up three cents since last week)
  • Watertown - $2.58 (down three cents since last week)

Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that total domestic gasoline supplies remain high – and the level is much higher than one year ago. That has helped to push pump prices lower across the country as crude oil remains cheap. Oil prices plummeted at the end of February as Coronavirus shut down factories in China, which is the largest importer of oil.

The drop in demand pushed oil prices down though some varieties (WTI & Brent Crude) have begun to inch up this morning. The global drop in demand is likely to continue through the end of the winter driving season. However, refinery maintenance, which is just beginning now, could impact prices in the month of March.


AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here.

You can find the lowest prices in your area at http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx.

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.