Drivers across New York are seeing some relief at the gas pump as fuel prices continue to decline heading into the busy Independence Day travel period, though the Empire State still ranks among the most expensive places in the country to buy gasoline.
According to AAA Western and Central New York, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.23, down 13 cents from one week ago. Despite the recent drop, New York’s average remains more than a dollar higher than the $3.21 per gallon drivers were paying at this time last year.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gas fell to $3.93, down 14 cents from last Monday. The national average stood at $3.22 one year ago.
Among regions across Western and Central New York, Ithaca continues to post the highest average price at $4.45 per gallon, followed by Buffalo and Syracuse at $4.35. Elmira reported the lowest average price in the region at $4.08 per gallon.
Current regional averages include:
- Batavia: $4.30 (down 4 cents)
- Buffalo: $4.35 (down 10 cents)
- Elmira: $4.08 (down 13 cents)
- Ithaca: $4.45 (down 5 cents)
- Rochester: $4.34 (down 11 cents)
- Rome: $4.31 (down 11 cents)
- Syracuse: $4.35 (down 9 cents)
- Watertown: $4.29 (down 12 cents)
AAA says gas prices have now fallen below $4 nationally for the first time since late March, providing some welcome relief as millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday.
The organization projects that 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day travel period running from June 27 through July 5. Of those travelers, an estimated 61.4 million are expected to drive.
Fuel prices have eased in recent days as crude oil costs declined following a reported agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Oil prices were trading between $75 and $79 per barrel Monday morning.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports gasoline demand has increased while domestic gasoline inventories have declined. Production, however, has risen.
Diesel prices also moved lower during the past week. The national average for diesel fuel dropped 19 cents to $5.01 per gallon, while New York’s average fell 14 cents to $5.60 per gallon. Even with the recent declines, diesel prices remain significantly higher than a year ago, when averages stood at $3.68 nationally and $3.92 in New York.
