The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.875, down less than one cent from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.10. The New York State average went up two cents to $2.99 though it remains just below the $3 per gallon threshold. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.17. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.03 (no change from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $3.07 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira - $2.78 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $3.10 (no change from last Monday)
• Rochester - $3.07 (no change from last Monday)
• Rome - $3.09 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $2.96 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $3.03 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

The winter storm that wreaked havoc on most of the nation has led to supply disruptions and has impacted gas prices with slight fluctuations at the pump. Below-freezing temperatures and lingering snow have disrupted some crude production and refinery operations, while gasoline demand increased pre-storm as drivers filled up their tanks ahead of the severe winter weather. Those factors have led to a rise at the pump recently but not enough to match last year’s national average at this time of $3.12.

This morning oil is trading in the low to mid $60s, which should keep gas prices somewhat stable. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand and production are up while total domestic gasoline supply also increased from 257 million barrels to 257.2 million.

Diesel prices are on the rise. The national average is $3.61 – up four cents since last Monday. The New York average is $3.94, up eight 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. 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 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.