Drivers are paying more at the pump this week as gasoline prices continue to climb across much of the country.
According to AAA Western and Central New York, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 13 cents over the past week to $4.00. That’s significantly higher than the $3.14 average recorded one year ago.
New York’s statewide average also increased, rising 7 cents to $4.15 per gallon, compared to $3.18 at this time last year.
Across the Finger Lakes and Western New York, prices were mixed:
- Batavia: $4.19 (up 2 cents)
- Buffalo: $4.23 (no change)
- Elmira: $4.07 (up 2 cents)
- Ithaca: $4.26 (down 3 cents)
- Rochester: $4.23 (up 1 cent)
- Rome: $4.17 (up 6 cents)
- Syracuse: $4.16 (down 1 cent)
- Watertown: $4.18 (up 11 cents)
AAA said uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to higher crude oil prices, with oil trading in the low-to-high $80-per-barrel range. The organization noted, however, that gasoline prices remain below this spring’s peak, when the national average reached $4.56 per gallon on May 21.
The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows gasoline demand remained steady last week while domestic gasoline supplies and production both declined, adding additional upward pressure on prices.
Diesel prices also moved sharply higher. The national average increased 23 cents to $5.11 per gallon, while New York’s average rose 5 cents to $5.48. One year ago, diesel averaged $3.73 nationally and $3.93 in New York.
