The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is now $2.31 per gallon, down three cents from last week, but up 47 cents from one year ago. The New York State average is $2.52 per gallon, down two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.11.
Gas prices across much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast remain relatively steady. Despite the downward price movement, New York was on the list of top 10 most expensive markets in the country over the past week.
The slight decrease in retail prices may only be temporary as gas is expected to cost more in 2017 than last year as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cuts production.
OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) warns drivers to prepare for an increase this spring, in April and May, as refineries will flush the old gasoline out and replace it with new summer blend gasoline, which could mean higher prices for travelers. AAA will continue to monitor prices throughout the year.