Gas prices trending higher than usual for this time of year
BUFFALO, NY — The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.31, up 16 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.17. The New York State average is $4.39, up 8 centsfrom last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.25. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
• Batavia – $4.31 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $4.32 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira – $4.24 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $4.32 (up 4 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester – $4.30 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rome – $4.35 (up 5 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $4.26 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown – $4.42 (up 9 cents from last Monday)
The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline increased 16 cents from last week to $4.31 as crude oil prices continue to climb. Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil back into the $100 to $110 per barrel range for the first time since July, sending pump prices to levels comparable to June. This September, the national average is rising during a period when gas prices typically decline due to lower seasonal demand.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week while total domestic gasoline supplies increased slightly and gasoline production declined. Labor Day travel boosted fuel demand as travelers took advantage of the unofficial end of summer, and the back-to-school season means more drivers
on the road feeling the pinch at the pump.
Diesel prices have reached a record high. The national average is $6.23 per gallon, up 33 cents from last week. At this time last year, the national average for diesel was $3.69 per gallon. New York’s average diesel price is $6.17 per gallon, up 25 cents from last week and nearly double the $3.10 average recorded one year ago.
When it comes to EV charging, the national average for L2 commercial electricity remains steady. Today’s national average per kilowatt-hour of electricity at a public EV charging station is 42 cents. New York’s rate is 40 cents. The state is home to 21,267 chargers. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric
vehicles. The 2026 AAA Car Guide shows renewed interest in electric vehicles amid high pump prices.
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.
