After several weeks of declining prices, gas prices are climbing again across much of the country as uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire between the United States and Iran continues to affect oil markets.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.87, up 7 cents from last week. That’s significantly higher than the $3.15 average recorded at this time last year.
New York drivers continue to pay above the national average, with the statewide average reaching $4.08 per gallon, an increase of 2 cents over the past week. A year ago, the statewide average was $3.18.
AAA Western and Central New York reports the following regional averages:
- Batavia: $4.17, down 3 cents
- Buffalo: $4.23, up 2 cents
- Elmira: $4.05, up 13 cents
- Ithaca: $4.23, down 8 cents
- Rochester: $4.22, up 1 cent
- Rome: $4.11, up 1 cent
- Syracuse: $4.17, up 1 cent
- Watertown: $4.07, down 3 cents
While prices have increased over the past week, they remain below this spring’s national peak of $4.56 per gallon, reached on May 21.
AAA says gasoline demand declined following the Independence Day travel period, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Domestic gasoline supplies also fell during the same period.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices have climbed to between $73 and $78 per barrel, compared to a range of $68 to $71 one week ago, contributing to upward pressure on fuel prices.
Diesel prices also increased nationally. The average price for diesel fuel now stands at $4.88 per gallon, up 12 cents from last week and well above the $3.71 average one year ago.
In New York, the average diesel price is $5.39 per gallon, down 1 cent from last week but up sharply from $3.93 at this time last year.
