Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.87, which is up six cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.34. The New York State average is $3.00, which is up five cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.50. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.89 (up 3 cents in past week)
• Buffalo - $2.90 (up 3 cents in past week)
• Ithaca - $2.95 (up 4 cents in past week)
• Rochester - $2.93 (up 5 cents in past week)
• Rome - $2.99 (up five cents in past week)
• Syracuse - $2.97 (up five cents in past week)
• Watertown - $3.00 (up 3 cents in past week)

There had been much speculation over whether we would see $3.00 a gallon this year. As Memorial Day weekend grows closer, we now have our answer, and some regions could very well see prices go above $3.00 before the end of the increases. AAA will continue to monitor prices as the holiday weekend grows closer.

Gas prices have moved higher this week after the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) report for the week ending on May 4 revealed that demand jumped up to 9.8 million bbl from the previous week’s measurement at 9.1 million bbl. Also, gas stations across the country are switching over to the more expensive summer blend in order to comply with federal mandates by June 1, which has contributed to drivers seeing prices rise. On the supply side, total gas stocks fell by 2.2 million bbl. At 235.8 million bbl, stocks are 5.3 million bbl lower than they were at this time last year, which has also put pressure on pump prices.

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.