BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gas prices have remained elevated with little change being seen across the state and Western New York, according to data from AAA.
The average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo is $3.88, which is the same as last Monday. In Batavia, gas prices are currently at $3.85, one cent less than last Monday. The average price in Rochester has gone up two cents from last week to $3.92 a gallon.
Nationally, the average price of gas has gone up two cents to $3.87. Across New York State, the average price of gas has remained the same at $3.92. A year ago the state average was $4.25 and the national average $3.90, according to AAA.
Despite a drop in demand, elevated gas prices are being driven by oil prices, which according to AAA remain at around $80 a barrel. Hurricane potential and the forecast of an expanding heat dome over Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas could continue to push oil prices up. High temperatures could cause refineries to have to pause production.
AAA is predicting that gas prices could keep "waffling until mid-September or longer."
The average national diesel price is $4.35 a gallon and the New York State average is $4.56. Both of these prices are up slightly from last week, but still lower than they were last year, according to AAA.
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.