September gas prices on pace for record month

National average reaches highest level ever recorded for this time of year

By AAA of Western and Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.47, no change from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.13. The New York state average is $4.48, no change from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.20.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

√ Batavia – $4.42 (no change from last Monday)

√ Buffalo – $4.42 (no change from last Monday)

√ Elmira – $4.36 (no change from last Monday)

√ Ithaca – $4.44 (up 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Rochester – $4.43 (up 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Rome – $4.46 (no change from last Monday)

√ Syracuse – $4.38 (down 1 cent from last Monday)

√ Watertown – $4.57 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.47, matching last Monday's price after rising to $4.49 on Friday. That marked the highest national average ever recorded for this time of year. While gas prices typically decline at the start of autumn, ongoing volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and elevated crude oil prices continue to put upward pressure on prices at the pump. September is on track to set a new record, with the month's average currently at $4.33 per gallon, surpassing the previous September record of $3.83 set in 2023.

Diesel prices remain near record territory after the national average climbed to an all-time high of $6.52 per gallon on Tuesday. While the national average has since dipped 7 cents to $6.45 per gallon, it is still far above the $3.68 per gallon drivers were paying this time last year. In New York, the average diesel price is $6.51 per gallon, up 3 cents from last week and approaching the state's record high of $6.54 per gallon set on May 19, 2022. A year ago, New York drivers were paying an average of $3.90 per gallon.

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased, while total domestic gasoline supply and gasoline production decreased slightly. Crude oil prices are ranging from $94 to $115 per barrel this morning, up from the $100 range seen last week.

When it comes to EV charging, the national average for L2 commercial electricity remains steady. Today’s national average per kilowatt-hour of electricity at a public EV charging station is 42 cents. New York’s rate is 40 cents. The state is home to 21,313 chargers. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles. The 2026 AAA Car Guide shows renewed interest in electric vehicles amid high pump prices.

To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage, while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car, since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

AAA members can save on gas at Love’s Travel Stops or by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Learn more about those discounts here. Motorists can locate gas prices across the country and stay up to date on news and fuel-saving tips at www.gasprices.AAA.com, while the AAA mobile app locates the cheapest fuel prices based on a user’s location.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.