BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers in Western New York have seen some relief at the pump since last week.
AAA reports that the average prices of gas per gallon in Buffalo, as well as for the state, has dropped since last week. The New York State average price of gas per gallon is $4.88, down 5 cents from last week.
In Buffalo the average price has dropped 11 cents since last Monday down to $4.72. The average price in Batavia went down 9 cents to $4.75 a gallon, according to AAA. The City of Rochester has seen the average price go down 10 cents to $4.79.
Meanwhile, the national average price of gas has increased by 25 cents from last week up to $4.87 a gallon. AAA reports that this increase in gas prices has been driven by high oil prices and increased demand.
As of Monday morning, AAA says that oil prices are about $120 a barrel. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic stock has decreased and the current storage level is around 13% lower than it was a year ago.
In New York, drivers have seen some relief because of a gas tax cap.
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.