BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers in Western New York and across the country are seeing a significant increase in gas prices, according to data from AAA.
The average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo is $3.86, which is up 10 cents from last week. In Batavia, gas prices are currently at $3.89, 12 cents higher than the week before. The average price in Rochester also went up 10 cents from last week to $3.90 a gallon.
Nationally the average price of gas has gone up seven cents since last week to $3.83. Across New York State, the average price of gas has climbed eight cents to $3.90 a gallon. A year ago the state average was $4.44 and the national $4.07.
The increase in gas prices is because of higher oil prices. The spike is gas prices is expected to be slowed by a decrease in demand and an increase in domestic supply as refinery operations resume after the heat last month, according to AAA.
Diesel fuel prices have also increased with the New York State average price of diesel fuel at $4.46 a gallon, up eight cents from last week. Nationally, the average price of diesel is $4.19, up 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.