Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.86, down 4 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.87. The New York State average is $2.96 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.88 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.89 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.89 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Rome -- $2.90 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.87 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.96 (no change since last week)
During this time of year, switching to the more expensive summer blend gasoline, ongoing refinery maintenance, and healthy consumer demand all contribute to pump prices increasing. A decrease, even by 1 or 2 cents is unusual. Motorists should expect an upswing in prices as we get closer to Memorial Day.
As far as crude oil goes, at the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI decreased 4 cents to settle at $61.66. On the week, crude prices have moved lower because of global concerns around trade negotiations between the United States and China.
If total crude stocks continue to tighten, American motorists will likely see pump prices continue to increase this spring – alongside the global price of crude, as tightening supply amid robust global crude demand will increase the price per barrel of oil.
