BUFFALO, N.Y. — Since last week, the national average price of gas hit a new milestone falling below $4 for the first time since March.
On Thursday of last week, the national average price of gas per gallon fell below $4 for the first time since oil prices spiked in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to data from AAA.
The latest report from AAA says the national average price for a gallon of gas dropped 10 cents from last week to $3.96. This time last year the average price for a gallon of gas was $3.18.
The New York State average also decreased this week, but continues to remain higher than the national average. Currently, the average cost for a gallon of gas in New York is $4.34, which is down 9 cents from last week, according to AAA. This time last year the average price was $3.23.
Here in Western New York, AAA reports the average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo is $4.39, which is down 7 cents from the week prior. In Batavia, the cost of a gallon of gas decreased 5 cents landing at $4.40. Meanwhile, Rochester saw a 9 cent decrease down to $4.45 a gallon.
AAA reports that data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that while demand for gas is up and domestic supply is down, decreased oil prices have help drive the lower price at the pump.
While gas prices remain high, 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 vehicle 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.