Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.99, down 7 cents from Monday and 15 cents one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.19. The New York State average is $4.38, down 5 cents since Monday and 11 cents since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.22. AAA Western and Central New York reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.42 (down 3 cents from Monday)
• Buffalo - $4.42 (down 3 cents from Monday)
• Elmira - $4.39 (down 3 cents from Monday)
• Ithaca - $4.54 (down 5 cents from Monday)
• Rochester - $4.50 (down 4 cents from Monday)
• Rome - $4.56 (down 7 cents from Monday)
• Syracuse - $4.47 (down 4 cents from Monday)
• Watertown - $4.62 (down 6 cents from Monday)

Despite steadily falling gas prices during the peak of the summer driving season, fewer drivers fueled up last week. It’s another sign that, for now, Americans are changing their driving habits to cope with higher pump prices. Meanwhile, the cost of oil has edged lower on fears of economic slowdowns elsewhere around the globe.

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand has recently been in line with demand at the end of July 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were in place. Meanwhile, stocks continue to rise while oil prices remain lower, leading to a continued drop in gas prices.

Crude prices have fallen as market concerns about weakening demand persist after the EIA reported that total domestic crude inventory increased. However, the slight increase is unlikely to have a significant pricing impact – especially if demand continues to decline.

While overall demand has dropped in the U.S., we are seeing strong demand in New York as the summer travel season continues. Some states return to school earlier than this region, so their summer travel season is wrapping up. Also, new AAA consumer research shows that almost two-thirds of Americans have reduced their driving due to high gas prices.

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 the latest news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.aaa.com.