Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.81, which is up five cents compared to one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.38. The New York State average is $2.94, which is up five cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53. As predicted, prices continue to rise at the pump. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.85 (up 5 cents in past week)
• Buffalo - $2.83 (up 4 cents in past week)
• Ithaca - $2.90 (up 5 cents in past week)
• Rochester - $2.87 (up 2 cents in past week)
• Rome - $2.94 (up 8 cents in past week)
• Syracuse - $2.92 (up 7 cents in past week)
• Watertown - $2.95 (up 8 cents in past week)

On Friday, the national gas price average hit its highest price per gallon since 2015, when it reached $2.80. The last time the national average for unleaded regular gasoline was this expensive was June 13-20, 2015. The price went up by another penny over the weekend and may continue to climb. AAA predicts that gas prices may potentially increase by 5 to 10 cents more through Memorial Day, but does not expect the national average to hit $3/gallon this year. Gas prices are expected to stabilize this summer, with the understanding that if demand spikes, prices are likely to follow. 

The New York State average is now at $2.94 – up by one cent since Friday and five cents since Monday. At this rate, the NYS average will likely hit $3/gallon before Memorial Day. 

The reason for the increase in prices can be largely attributed to gas stations continuing to switchover to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which helps reduce excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise. Gas stations around the country must begin selling summer blend gasoline by June 1 to comply with federal mandates. Now that spring break is behind us, demand for gasoline is taking a notable back step, falling by 774,000 b/d (barrels per day), according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest petroleum report. At 9.083 million b/d, gasoline demand is now more in line with rates typically seen during the spring driving season.

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.