Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.25, up three cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.57. The New York State average is $2.32 – up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.25 (up two cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.27 (up three cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.29 (up three cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.30 (up three cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.37 (up two cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.29 (up three cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.36 (up three cents since last week)

Two factors have contributed to driving up prices at the pump: rising crude oil prices and tightening supply. The domestic price of crude (WTI) has been steadily rising since November, reaching levels not seen since February, before stay-at-home guidance was introduced across the country. Prices began to rise last month alongside vaccination news and have only increased with it becoming available. 

Reports from the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. gasoline supply levels are healthy, but could tighten in weeks ahead amid refinery consolidations in the northwest and maintenance in the upper Midwest. 

Even with holiday demand increasing, overall demand still remains at an extremely low level. AAA believes this factor will impact gas prices, pushing them cheaper in January.

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.