Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.81, which is the same as one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.35. The New York State average is $2.95, which is up one cent from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.52. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.86 (up 1 cent in past week)
• Buffalo - $2.87 (up 4 cents in past week)
• Ithaca - $2.91 (up 1 cent in past week)
• Rochester - $2.88 (up 1 cent in past week)
• Rome - $2.94 (no change in past week)
• Syracuse - $2.92 (no change in past week)
• Watertown - $2.97 (up 2 cents in past week)

Gas prices around the country have creeped up, mostly due to continuing efforts to switchover stocks to the more expensive summer blend to meet federal mandates by June 1. Geopolitical events, decreased global supply/OPEC cuts, expensive crude oil, record U.S. production and high demand have all contributed toward driving up gas prices since January. 

Meanwhile, for the second week in a row, demand has been flat at 9.09 million b/d (barrels per day). The demand estimates from the past two weeks have been more in line with the usual spring driving season than the nearly 9.9 million b/d estimate reported in the middle of April – a record-breaking figure that more closely resembles demand rates seen during the high-demand summer driving season. Expect prices to increase for Memorial Day travel then taper off. Demand will determine prices this summer.

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.
 

AAA WCNY wants to remind members that they can receive discounts at NOCO gas stations, as well as Fastrac locations. Learn more here. You can find the lowest prices in your area at http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx.