Drivers to face highest Memorial Day gas prices since 2022
BUFFALO, NY — The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.52, no change from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.18. The New York State average is $4.61, up 2 centsfrom last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
• Batavia – $4.59 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $4.59 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $4.53 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $4.60 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester – $4.59 (up 2 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $4.58 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $4.58 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $4.63 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
The national average is sitting in the same range as it was in 2022, the year that gas prices hit record highs. Travelers are preparing to hit the road in record numbers this week, and drivers will be facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years. As of this morning, oil is trading between $106 and $111 per barrel, compared to $97 and $104 a week ago.
According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.81 million b/d to 8.75 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 219.8 million barrels to 215.7 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.
Diesel prices are also on the rise this week, with the national average at $5.63, down a penny from last week, but up from $3.55 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.94, up 1 cent from last week, and up from $3.89 last year.
When it comes to EV charging, the national average for L2 commercial electricity is up slightly. Today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station is 42 cents, steady from last week. New York’s rate is 40 cents, the same as last week. The state is home to 21,274 chargers. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles.
A new AAA survey shows that drivers continue to show greater interest in hybrid vehicles than in fully electric models. This year, 35% of U.S. adults say they are “very likely” or “likely” to purchase a hybrid for their next vehicle, whether new or used. Those who favor hybrids most often point to reduced concerns about driving range and access to charging.
To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage, while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car, since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
AAA members can save on gas at Love’s Travel Stops or by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Learn more about those discounts here. Motorists can locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on news and fuel-saving tips at www.gasprices.AAA.com while the AAA Mobile App locates the cheapest fuel prices based on a user’s location.
As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com or www.NewsRoom.AAA.com or download our mobile app at www.AAA.com/Mobile.
