Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.74, up five cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.66. The New York State average is $2.76 – up three cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.77. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.72 (up 7 cents since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.69 (up 8 cents since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.73 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.75 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Rome - $2.76 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.74 (up 7 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.78 (up 5 cents since last week)

Refinery maintenance season has hit some unexpected bumps in the road, leading to higher pump prices as the nation settles into spring. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic refinery utilization – a measure of how much crude and other feedstocks refineries use to make various products, including gasoline – fell to 86.4 percent recently. At this time last year, EIA measured total refinery utilization at 93 percent. The year-over-year difference underscores the impact of unplanned refinery maintenance on markets across the country. Lower gasoline production and refinery utilization is leading to a drop in domestic gasoline stocks. Until refineries return to normal operations, which will take a few weeks, American motorists should expect pump prices to continue increasing as gasoline demand  increases with spring break road trips and upcoming Easter travel. 

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.