New York motorists are continuing to see relief at the gas pump as fuel prices fell for another week, according to AAA Western and Central New York.
The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.12, down 11 cents from last Monday. Despite the recent decline, New York drivers are still paying significantly more than a year ago, when the statewide average was $3.21 per gallon.
New York also remains one of the nation’s most expensive states for gasoline, ranking eighth-highest in the country. The national average is $3.86 per gallon, down 6 cents from last week but well above the $3.19 average recorded at this time last year.
Across western and central New York, prices also declined over the past week. The average price for regular gasoline is:
- Batavia: $4.20, down 10 cents
- Buffalo: $4.27, down 8 cents
- Elmira: $3.99, down 9 cents
- Ithaca: $4.38, down 7 cents
- Rochester: $4.28, down 6 cents
- Rome: $4.18, down 12 cents
- Syracuse: $4.24, down 11 cents
- Watertown: $4.19, down 10 cents
AAA says falling gas prices come as millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for the Independence Day holiday. While demand for gasoline remains strong as summer travel continues, recent stability in crude oil prices has helped ease pressure at the pump.
Crude oil, which traded between $75 and $79 per barrel last week, has fallen into the high $60s to low $70s range. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand has remained relatively steady, domestic gasoline supplies have dipped slightly, and production has increased.
Diesel prices also moved lower this week. The national average for diesel fuel is $4.86 per gallon, down 15 cents from last week but up from $3.70 one year ago. In New York, the average diesel price is $5.47 per gallon, down 13 cents from last week but still well above last year’s average of $3.94.
