New year begins with lower gas prices

Pump prices continue to fall as holiday travelers ring in 2026

By AAA of Western and Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.81, down 2 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.06. The New York state average is $3.03, down 2 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13.

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

• Batavia – $3.07 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.11 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $2.86 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.19 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.11 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.12 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $3.02 (no change from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.05 (down 3 cents from last Monday)

The holiday season offered lower gas prices for travelers who hit the road in record numbers. AAA estimates that 109.5 million Americans drove at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1. Despite a short-term surge in demand, gas prices continued their downward trend into the new year with the national average for a gallon of regular falling to $2.81 this morning. That’s 25 cents lower than a year ago.

Motorists are benefitting from a strong supply of gas and the cheaper-to-produce winter blend of fuel when it comes to price at the pump. In addition, oil prices remain low. This morning oil is trading in the $56-$60 range per barrel. Despite the events in Venezuela over the weekend, there has been little disruption in the oil markets. If these trends continue, drivers should see the national average remain well below the $3 per gallon threshold in the coming weeks.

Diesel prices are also on the decline. The national average is $3.52 – down 3 cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.87, down 2 cents from a week ago.

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 is 38 cents. New York’s rate is also 38 cents. The state is home to 17,438 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.