Drivers across New York State are seeing some relief at the pump, with the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline dipping just below the three-dollar mark this week.
AAA Western and Central New York reports the New York average is now $2.998 per gallon, down from $3.03 last Monday and well below the $3.14 average this time last year. It is the first time in months that the statewide average has fallen under $3 per gallon.
The drop mirrors a broader national trend, with the national average now at $2.80 per gallon, down one cent from last week and 27 cents lower than a year ago.
Locally, prices vary across the region, but many upstate communities are approaching — or already below — the $3 threshold:
- Batavia: $3.05 (down 2 cents)
- Buffalo: $3.10 (down 1 cent)
- Elmira: $2.80 (down 6 cents)
- Ithaca: $3.16 (down 3 cents)
- Rochester: $3.10 (down 1 cent)
- Rome: $3.08 (down 4 cents)
- Syracuse: $2.98 (down 4 cents)
- Watertown: $3.02 (down 3 cents)
Prices in Albany, the state capital, have also fallen to $2.98 per gallon, matching Syracuse for the lowest among major upstate cities.
AAA says the new year is bringing the lowest gas prices the nation has seen since 2021. The decline is being driven by lower oil prices, which are currently ranging between $58 and $63 per barrel, along with a seasonal drop in demand.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand fell last week from 8.56 million barrels per day to 8.17 million, while overall gasoline supplies increased. Production dipped slightly, but remains near seasonal norms.
Diesel prices are also trending downward. The national average for diesel is now $3.50 per gallon, down two cents from last week, while the New York average is $3.86, down one cent.
AAA says prices could continue to decline in the coming weeks if oil prices remain low and demand stays subdued through the winter months.
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