Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.71, which is up five cents compared to one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.41. The New York State average is $2.82, which is up six cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.52.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $2.73 (up 4 cents in past week)
•    Buffalo - $2.75 (up 4 cents in past week)
•    Ithaca - $2.79 (up 7 cents in past week)
•    Rochester - $2.76 (up 5 cents in past week)
•    Rome - $2.79 (up 5 cents in past week)
•    Syracuse - $2.78 (up 6 cents in past week)
•    Watertown - $2.81 (up 4 cents in past week)

Robust demand and higher oil prices than last year have contributed to increased gasoline prices for drivers. Last year’s demand measurement at this time was also 9.3 million b/d (barrels per day), illustrating that gasoline demand is falling in line with typical rates seen during the spring driving season. 

Oil prices edged higher last week following new concerns about tension in the Middle East, with military strikes against Syria. Although Syria is not a major oil producer, tension in the country could ripple to other countries in the region and restrict global oil supply flows. 

Meanwhile U.S. crude production broke more records last week, according to EIA. Crude production in the lower 48 states topped 10 million b/d for the first time in the history of the Energy Information Administration’s weekly petroleum status reports. Growth in domestic crude production led crude stocks around the country to gain a total of 3.3 million bbl (barrels) last week. While crude oil stocks now sit at 428.6 million bbl, it is still nearly 105 million bbl less than domestic crude storage levels at this time last year. Growing crude exports, alongside OPEC-led production cuts, have helped stocks decrease over the past year. The year-over-year decline in stocks has contributed to higher crude 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.