No relief at the pump as oil prices increase

Local prices remain flat

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.30, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.31. The New York state average is $3.48, down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the New York state average was $2.39.

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

√ Batavia – $3.42 (down 2 cents from last week)

√ Buffalo – $3.45 (no change from last week)

√ Ithaca – $3.49 (no change from last week)

√ Rochester – $3.49 (down 1 cent from last week)

√ Rome – $3.52 (no change from last week)

√ Syracuse – $3.46i (up 1 cent from last week)

√ Watertown – $3.50 (no change from last week)

There’s no relief at the pump due to rising oil prices, which are back in the $80-per-barrel territory. Last week, crude prices increased after the Energy Information Administration reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased. The current stock level is approximately 14% lower than at the end of December 2020, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices. Additionally, a decision earlier last week by OPEC+ to maintain its crude production increases, starting in February 2022, also helped to bolster crude prices.

To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle.

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android – a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance, map a route, find discounts, or book a hotel. 

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Join at AAA.com/Shell.

Motorists can also locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on the latest news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.aaa.com.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 887,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.