Gas prices edge higher as February kicks off

Western and Central New York region saw little to no change this past week

By AAA of Western & Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.90, up 2 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.14. The New York state average is the same as last Monday, sitting at $2.99, though it remains just below the $3 per gallon threshold. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.18.

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

• Batavia – $3.03 (no change from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $3.07 (no change from last Monday)
• Elmira – $2.80 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $3.11 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester – $3.07 (no change from last Monday)
• Rome – $3.09 (no change from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $2.96 (no change from last Monday)
• Watertown – $3.03 (no change from last Monday)

The month of February is kicking off with slightly higher gas prices nationwide, though the New York region has been stable. The national average for a gallon of regular is up a couple of cents from last week, at $2.90. Gasoline demand is down, as fewer drivers hit the road during the recent winter storms. But this is the time of year when pump prices start nudging higher, as spring approaches and refineries start making the switch to summer-blend gasoline production. Current prices remain below what they were this time last year, when the national average was $3.14.

This morning, oil is trading in the low- to mid-$60s, which should keep gas prices somewhat stable. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.75 million b/d to 8.15 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 257.2 million barrels to 257.9 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9 million barrels per day.

Diesel prices are on the rise. The national average is $3.63 – up 2 cents since last Monday. The New York average is $3.99, up 5 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 remains unchanged at 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. 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.