As we begin the New Year, New Yorkers are finding the statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline to be $3.35, down three cents from last week. The average today is down a nickel from the first week of the year in 2023. AAA of Western and Central New York reports the slight drop comes after the national average for a gallon of regular rose the previous week for the first time since September.
According to AAA, historically, this time of year sees upward and downward fluctuations in the price of gas. A retreat by oil prices over the last week into the mid-$70s per barrel is helping drive the price of gas down at the start of 2024. Demand for gas is expected to taper this week after the busy holiday travel period. AAA estimates nearly 104 million motorists drove 50 miles or more from their homes during the 10-day period between December 23 and January 1.
Diesel prices are also moving lower. The national average price for diesel is $3.98, down three cents from one week ago, and down from $4.68 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.46, down two cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.33 one year ago.
