Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.87, 2 cents higher than last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.90. The New York State average is $3.92, no change from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $4.25. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia – $3.85 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
- Buffalo – $3.88 (no change from last Monday)
- Rochester – $3.92 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has climbed another 2 cents higher since last week, despite lower demand and the price of oil falling several dollars per barrel and struggling to stay above $80. But the potential for hurricane development and forecasts of an expanding heat dome over Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas next week could push oil prices higher. Refineries in these states may have to curb production to deal with the sizzling temperatures. While fewer drivers are fueling up at the moment, the looming heat and entering the heart of hurricane season are a roadblock to falling gas prices. Gas prices may keep waffling until mid-September or longer.
This morning, diesel prices are up as well. The national average price for diesel is $4.35, up 4 cents from last week, but down from $4.98 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.56, up 1 cent from last week, but still much lower than $5.41 one year ago.
