Decrease in Gas Prices Continues into October

Decrease in Gas Prices Continues into October

Pump prices slow as a hurricane comes ashore
Valerie Puma
Pump prices slow as a hurricane comes ashore

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.22, up one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.82. The New York State average is $3.25, down five cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.90. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia - $3.40 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
  • Buffalo - $3.38 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
  • Elmira - $3.15 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
  • Ithaca - $3.47 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
  • Rochester - $3.40 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
  • Rome - $3.36 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
  • Syracuse - $3.25 (down 6 cents from last Monday)
  • Watertown - $3.19 (down 6 cents from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline wobbled a few cents before ending right about where it started a week ago at $3.22. Pump prices have been sliding down recently, but the rapid intensification of Hurricane Helene appears to be having an effect on gasoline demand in the southeast region of the country.

This morning, oil prices are sitting in the high $60s to low $70s per barrel. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose while total domestic stocks fell slightly. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding, and soon the arrival of cheaper winter-blend gasoline will help to further take pressure off of pump prices as autumn approaches.

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, down one cent from last Monday. The New York average is $3.96, down four 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.