Gasoline prices in New York remain just under the $3 per gallon mark, even as the national average continues to rise. According to AAA Western and Central New York, the statewide average is $2.97, down a penny from last week and 21 cents lower than this time last year.
Local prices vary across the region: Batavia averages $3.03, Buffalo $3.08, Elmira $2.77, Ithaca $3.10, Rochester $3.07, Rome $3.08, Syracuse $2.95, and Watertown $3.01. Most areas have seen small decreases over the past week, with only Rome seeing a slight increase of one cent.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gas rose five cents to $2.88, even as crude oil remains relatively low at $60 to $65 per barrel. Gasoline demand fell last week from 8.30 million barrels per day to 7.83 million, while supply increased to 257 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Diesel prices are also on the rise. The national average is $3.57, up seven cents since last week, while New York drivers are paying $3.86 per gallon, up one cent.
Despite the winter storm affecting much of the country, New Yorkers are benefiting from prices that remain below $3, continuing a downward trend compared with last year.
