BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers in Western New York and across the country are seeing a significant decrease in gas prices ahead of Christmas, according to data from AAA.
The average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo is $3.49, which is down eight cents from last week. In Batavia, gas prices are currently at $3.39, eight cents lower than the week before. The average price in Rochester also fell seven cents from last week to $3.57 a gallon.
Nationally the average price of gas has fallen 12 cents since last week to $3.14. Across New York State, the average price of gas has fallen 10 cents to $3.49. A year ago the state average was $3.51 and the national $3.31.
The average drop in gas prices was caused by decreased demand and increased supply as people are driving less in the winter weather.
Diesel fuel prices have also decrease with the New York State average price of diesel fuel at $5.46 a gallon, down 14 cents from last week but still significantly higher than prices last year. Nationally, the average price of diesel is $4.77, down 15 cents.
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.