Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.88, up three cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.56. The New York State average is $2.99 – the same as last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.75. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.95 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.99 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.90 (down a penny since last week)
• Rochester - $2.93 (down a penny since last week)
• Rome - $2.94 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.92 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown - $3.01 (down a penny since last week)

Despite demand dropping and stocks growing, the national average price for gasoline has increased this week. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the increase is likely the result of crude prices continuously increasing over the summer leading to an approximate $20 per barrel increase when compared to this time last year. It is now trickling over to retail gas prices. As more winter blend gasoline makes its way to stations, which is cheaper to produce, motorists across the country are likely to see relief at the pump. However, increasing crude prices could offset relief by making gasoline more expensive because the cost of crude constitutes approximately 50 percent of the cost of gasoline, according to EIA.    

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.