The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.17, down five cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.72. The New York State average is $3.22, down three cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.86. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.37 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.34 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira - $3.12 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.44 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.37 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.34 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $3.22 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.17 (down 2 cents from last Monday)

Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline still fell by five cents since last Monday, and prices regionally have dropped by an average of three cents. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but tensions in the Middle East could disrupt oil shipments and has already led to oil prices creeping higher.

This morning, oil prices are sitting in the mid to high $70s per barrel. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand plummeted last week while total domestic stocks rose slightly. Tepid gasoline demand and recent low oil costs could keep pump prices sliding down, and soon the arrival of cheaper winter-blend gasoline will help to further take pressure off pump prices.

When it comes to EV charging, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity remain steady. The national average for a kilowatt of electricity at an L2 commercial charging station sits at 35 cents. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles.

For drivers who use diesel fuel, the national average price for diesel is $3.57, no change from last Monday. The New York average is $3.93, down three cents from last Monday.

To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle. Get more tips here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell. Learn more here. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Join now at AAA.com/Shell. Motorists can also locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.AAA.com.