Note: The commodity futures exchange New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) is closed December 31 – January 2 for the holiday. 

Here is a look at current prices as of Sunday night, December 30. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.27, down six cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.49. The New York State average is $2.62 – down four cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.64. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.69 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.69 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.46 (down 5 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.60 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.60 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.51 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.71 (down 5 cents since last week)

Heading into 2019, gasoline demand is expected to dwindle during the month of January, an expected change following the busy holiday travel season. At the same time, OPEC will begin production cuts on January 1, with hopes that the shift in global supply will push oil prices higher. The effectiveness of the cuts will likely not be known until later in the first quarter.

Over the past few years, OPEC and partnering countries have demonstrated a strong resolve to comply with proposed cuts in production. It is likely that the cartel will reconvene in April, and if there is a need to further balance global supply and demand, OPEC will likely tweak current production numbers at that meeting.

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.