Gas prices rise sharply, as conflict in Iran disrupts oil exports, sends prices soaring

By AAA of Western & Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.48, up 48 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.09. The New York state average is $3.40, up 39 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.14.

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

• Batavia – $3.29 (up 29 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.40 (up 34 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $3.35 (up 57 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.40 (up 30 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.40 (up 34 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.40 (up 28 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.39 (up 41 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.46 (up 43 cents from last Monday)

Gas prices jumped over the past week as the conflict in the Middle East sent crude oil prices up over $100 per barrel. The last time oil prices were in this range and made a similar jump was during the Russia/Ukraine conflict in 2022. Oil prices have a direct impact on gas prices, since about 60% of what consumers pay at the pump is in direct correlation to the price of crude. Oil is the main ingredient in each gallon of gas.

Springtime typically sees higher gas prices as gasoline demand rises and refineries begin producing summer-blend gasoline, which contains pricier additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months. 

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. gasoline demand is down, along with supply, while production is on the rise.

Diesel prices have also escalated. The national average is $4.66, up 89 cents; while the New York average is $4.75, up 74 cents in the past week.

When it comes to EV charging, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity is up slightly. Today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station is up 3 cents to 42 cents. New York’s rate is up a penny to 40 cents. The state is home to 23,052 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. 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 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.