Gas demand down as seasonal shift begins

New York prices stabilize after last week’s jump

By AAA of Western and Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.18, down 2 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.21. The New York state average is $3.25, down 1 cent from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.37.

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

• Batavia – $3.23 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.21 (no change from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.16 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.28 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.24 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.24 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.20 (no change from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.24 (up 1 cent from last Monday)

As drivers settle into their fall routines, gas demand is going down, and eventually, pump prices should follow suit. The national average for a gallon of regular is down to $3.18. There remains an abundance of crude oil supply, which is outweighing demand. The seasonal transition to winter-blend gasoline – which is cheaper to produce – is also beginning. This morning, oil is trading in the $62 to $68 range per barrel.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.11 million b/d last week to 8.50 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 218.5 million barrels to 220 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

Diesel prices are also rising slightly. The national average is down 1 cent to $3.69 compared to last week. The New York average is $3.90, down 2 cents from last week.

When it comes to EV charging, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity remain steady. Today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stands at 36 cents. New York’s rate is 35 cents. The state has approximately 12,829 chargers. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles.

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. Get more tips here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell. Learn more here. AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Join at AAA.com/Shell. Motorists can also locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on news and fuel-saving tips at http://gasprices.AAA.com.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 866,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.