BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers in Western New York will see slight lower gas prices ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, according to data from AAA.
The average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo is $3.76, which is down two cents from last week. In Batavia is currently at $3.71, a total of seven cents lower than the week before. The average price in Rochester also fell two cents from last week to $3.80 a gallon.
Nationally, the average price has fallen 11 cents since last week to $3.66. Across New York State, the average price of gas has fallen five cents since last week to $3.85. A year ago the state average was $3.57 and the national $3.41.
The average drop in gas prices was caused by a decrease in the cost of oil, as well as decreased demand and increased supply as oil refineries down for maintenance were back online.
While gas prices in New York are almost 30 cents higher than last year, AAA is forecasting a record year of travel, the third busiest recorded since the year 2000.
Trucking is also facing higher prices right now with the New York State average price of diesel fuel at $5.95 a gallon compared to $3.65 a year ago. Nationally, the average price of diesel is $5.30.
While gas prices remain higher than last year, AAA says drivers can conserve fuel by mapping their routes, avoiding peak traffic times, using cruise control when possible, and combining errands into one trip.
AAA also notes that drivers should make sure their vehicle's tire pressure is at the recommended level to achieve the best gas mileage. Drivers should also remove any unnecessary and bulky items from their vehicles because it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle.
For more information about how to look up gas prices across the country, or to get more fuel-saving tips from AAA, head to the AAA website.
