Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.76, which is up five cents compared to one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.42. The New York State average is $2.89, which is up seven cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.54. As predicted, prices continue to rise at the pump. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.80 (up 7 cents in past week)
• Buffalo - $2.79 (up 4 cents in past week)
• Ithaca - $2.85 (up 6 cents in past week)
• Rochester - $2.85 (up 9 cents in past week)
• Rome - $2.86 (up 7 cents in past week)
• Syracuse - $2.85 (up 7 cents in past week)
• Watertown - $2.87 (up 6 cents in past week)

Gasoline demand hit a new level this month according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) weekly petroleum report. 9.86 million b/d (barrels per day) is the highest mid-April weekly estimate on record and is the highest so far this year. EIA’s record-breaking demand measurement is likely the result of more drivers hitting the nation’s roads for spring break and as warmer weather starts to spread across the country. Declining gas stocks and high demand are leading to price spikes at the pump. As this trend continues, drivers are likely to see pump prices continue to climb this spring.

Friday was a volatile day for oil prices on Wall Street. It began with President Trump’s tweet that criticized OPEC’s efforts to restrict global crude supply and raise the price per barrel. Crude prices have not been this high since December 2014. The jump in price per barrel occurred after EIA’s weekly report revealed that crude inventories across the country dropped. The year-over-year decline has occurred as a result of OPEC’s agreement with large non-OPEC producers to reduce crude production. The agreement is supposed to remain in effect until the end of 2018; however, on Friday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that producers in the agreement may begin easing output curbs sooner because the agreement has cleared out the glut of crude that the producers aimed to reduce. Saudi Arabia is likely to push back on any efforts. Representatives from both countries are likely to discuss the matter at OPEC’s upcoming meeting in Vienna, Austria on June 20 & 21. Oil prices are now at $68 per barrel.

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.