If it feels like gas prices jumped overnight, that's because they basically did. As of March 19, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.88, up 95 cents from a month ago. Here in Western and Central New York, drivers are feeling it too — Buffalo is at $3.68, Rochester at $3.70, and Watertown at $3.74, all up significantly from last month.

So what's going on?

A few things are hitting at once. Spring Break season brings a natural surge in demand as more drivers get back on the road. At the same time, conflict in Iran has pushed crude oil prices past $100 per barrel multiple times — and crude is one of the biggest drivers of what you pay at the pump. There's also a seasonal factor most drivers don't think about. Every spring, refineries have to switch from winter to summer blend gasoline, which temporarily reduces supply just as demand is climbing. 

In response to the oil price spike, the U.S. and the International Energy Agency announced a historic emergency release of 400 million barrels of oil from global strategic reserves, the largest ever. That may help stabilize prices, but relief at the pump typically takes time to trickle down.

What you can do right now

You can't control crude oil markets, but you can control a few habits that add up:

• Don't wait until empty. AAA recommends filling up at a quarter tank — running low can damage your fuel pump, and it keeps you from getting stranded somewhere inconvenient.
   
• Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency. The recommended pressure is on a sticker inside your driver's side door.
   
• Combine your errands. Plan trips to hit multiple stops in one run and avoid peak traffic times when you're idling more than moving.
   
• Lay off the hard acceleration. Smooth driving makes a real difference in how far a tank takes you.
   
• Use cruise control. Maintaining a steady speed prevents the fuel-burning cycle of accelerating and decelerating that adds up on longer drives.
   
• Skip the roof rack when you don't need it. Extra weight and drag cost you at the pump.

AAA Members can also use the AAA Mobile App to compare gas prices near you before you fill up and save at stations like Shell and Love's with member discounts.

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Track local and national prices anytime at gasprices.aaa.com. 

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