BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers should continue to expect to pay more at the pump this week as gas prices continue to rise.
As of Monday morning, AAA reports that the national average price for a gallon of gas is $4.33, which is up 14 cents from last week. This time last year the average price for a gallon of gas was $2.96.
In New York State, the average cost for a gallon of gasoline is $4.52, which is up 17 cents from last week. This time last year the average price was $3.
Here in Buffalo the average price for gas is $4.35, which is up 12 cents from last week. The average price of a gallon of gas also increased by 12 cents in Rochester, the average price now $4.42. In Batavia the average price of gas per gallon went up 10 cents to $4.34 on average.
According to AAA, increasing oil prices and a tight supply of gasoline are pushing gas prices back up. As of Monday morning, oil prices are about $110 per barrel. This price increase came after the European Union announced a proposal that would ban Russian oil imports within six months and refined product imports would be prohibited by the end of 2022.
AAA says that given the tight global supply, crude prices will likely remain volatile with this news.
Diesel fuel prices have recently hit record highs, hitting a national average of $5.54 Monday, according to AAA. One year ago that price was $3.11.
In New York the average price of diesel fuel is $6.38. A year ago it was $3.19, according to AAA.
“To say we’re feeling pain at the pump is an understatement,” said Steve Steinmetz, director of automotive service operations at AAA Western and Central New York. “Prices have literally doubled since last year impacting all towing companies across the state.”
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 vehicle 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.