Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.85, up two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.67. The New York State average is $3.00, up one penny since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.83. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.96 (up one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.99 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.93 (no change since last week)
• Rochester - $2.96 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.95 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.94 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $3.03 (up 2 cents since last week)

Some areas are seeing a post Labor Day spike in gas prices, but prices are expected to drop this fall as refineries switch over to winter blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce. Prices could get as low as $2.70 per gallon as long as nothing interferes. Market watchers are paying close attention to increased U.S. production and tightening domestic crude supplies, as rising tensions in Syria, Iran and Venezuela threaten the availability of crude in the international oil market. If gasoline inventories continue to rise, the oversupply could weigh down the crude oil market and pump prices could decrease in reaction. One factor that may stall decreasing prices is the threat of Hurricane Florence in the Atlantic. 
 

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.