Drivers across New York are seeing some relief at the gas pump as gasoline prices continued their downward trend following one of the busiest Fourth of July travel weekends on record.
According to AAA Western and Central New York, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline fell 6 cents over the past week to $4.06. While prices remain well above last year’s average of $3.19 per gallon, they have steadily declined since late May.
In the Finger Lakes and surrounding region, Elmira continues to have the area’s lowest average price at $3.92 per gallon. Ithaca has the highest average among major regional markets at $4.31.
Current regional averages include:
- Batavia: $4.20 (unchanged)
- Buffalo: $4.21 (down 6 cents)
- Elmira: $3.92 (down 7 cents)
- Ithaca: $4.31 (down 7 cents)
- Rochester: $4.21 (down 7 cents)
- Rome: $4.10 (down 8 cents)
- Syracuse: $4.16 (down 8 cents)
- Watertown: $4.10 (down 9 cents)
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline dropped 6 cents to $3.80 per gallon. A year ago, the national average was $3.15.
The decline comes after an estimated 72.2 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day holiday period. Although gas prices remain at their highest levels in four years, the recent downward trend has provided some relief during the peak summer driving season.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand increased during the holiday weekend as more motorists hit the road. Refinery production also increased, but total domestic gasoline supplies declined. Crude oil prices remained relatively stable Monday, trading between $68 and $71 per barrel.
Diesel prices also continued to ease. The national average fell 10 cents to $4.76 per gallon, though it remains significantly higher than the $3.68 average recorded one year ago. In New York, diesel fuel now averages $5.40 per gallon, down 7 cents from last week but still well above the $3.93 average at this time last year.
