BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gas prices are at the same average price for New York State and Buffalo as they were last Tuesday. There are slight price changes in other Western New York cities and at the national level.
In Buffalo, the average price of gas is again $4.83 a gallon. The state average has remained at $4.93, according to AAA.
Meanwhile, the national average is up 2 cents from last Tuesday increasing to $4.62.
Here in the Western New York area, the average price of gas in Batavia is down 1 cent to $4.83, while in Rochester it is up 1 cent to $4.89 when compared to last week.
AAA says gas prices typically peak around Memorial Day and then drop as the summer goes along. However, gas tends to be more expensive in the summer because of demand and the summer blend of gas.
This year, AAA says a drop in gas prices will depend on on oil prices, demand, and geopolitical factors.
However, in New York State drivers can expect to see a drop in gas prices if gas stations pass along tax savings to consumers.
June 1 is when the state will suspend 16 cents from its per gallon gas tax in an effort to help consumers. The tax reduction is currently scheduled to last through December.
Drivers in Erie County can also expect to see more relief at the pump after Wednesday. Erie County lawmakers approved a temporary cap of $2 for local sales tax, which is expected to save consumers about 11 cents per gallon if savings are passed on.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz shared a tweet on Tuesday saying drivers in the county can expect to see savings of 25-30 cents per gallon. However, those savings won't happen immediately on June 1 because stations pay taxes when the gas is delivered.
Otherwise, AAA is reporting that the price of oil is more than $118 per barrel, which is a significant increase from last week. If these prices remain elevated, the price of gas is not likely to fall.
Diesel gas prices remain elevated as well. AAA reports that in New York, the state average price of diesel is $6.45 compared to $3.23 one year ago.
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.