The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.88, up five cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.12. The New York State average remains just below the $3 per gallon threshold at $2.97, down one cent since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.18. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

•    Batavia - $3.03 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
•    Buffalo - $3.08 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Elmira - $2.77 (no change from last Monday)
•    Ithaca - $3.10 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Rochester - $3.07 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Rome - $3.08 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Syracuse - $2.95 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
•    Watertown - $3.01 (no change from last Monday)

The national average for a gallon of regular gas continues to move higher despite weak demand from motorists. As a winter storm blankets much of the nation with snow and ice, the national average sits at $2.88, five cents higher than one week ago. Crude oil prices remain low as markets keep an eye on Iran and any potential disruption in the transportation of oil out of the Middle East. Oil is trading in the $60-$65 per barrel range this morning. National pump prices are still 24 cents lower than a year ago. New York prices are 21 cents lower.

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.30 million b/d to 7.83 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 251 million barrels to 257. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 8.8 million barrels per day.

Diesel prices are moving up. The national average is $3.57 – up seven cents since last Monday. The New York average is $3.86, up one cent 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. Get more tips here. 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 now 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.