BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gas prices are increasing nationally and across NYS, but in Buffalo, they average price per gallon has gone down slightly.
In a recent report made by AAA, the national average for gas is $3.28, up six cents since last week. Also, the state of New York's gas average is also rising, up five cents to $3.45.
But, the average price of a gallon of gas in Buffalo dropped two cents from last week to $3.43.
Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) says gas demand increases more around milder weather, and while drivers aren't buying gas at the same rate as they did last year, the tight supply could cause prices at the pump to be higher.
Crude oil is also a key component of higher prices. Prices range between $76 to $81 a barrel, sitting lower than last week.
Gas apps like Gas Buddy help drivers find lower prices in their area. According to Gas Buddy, the cheapest station in Buffalo is priced at $2.90/g and the highest, $3.85/g.
A spokesperson from the Gas Buddy app assures prices will soon lower again.
"Last week, the rise in gasoline prices continued, still due to previous refinery outages caused by the cold weather the week of Christmas. However, I'm optimistic that as refiners get back online, we could see the increases slow down as we head into the time of year when gasoline demand is at its weakest," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "While gasoline prices have rallied, average diesel prices continue to drift lower, which certainly bodes well for the overall economy. As long as refiners can get back online soon from previous cold-weather outages, we could see supply start to recover at the same time demand is weak, which could bring gas prices down again."
Here's a list of gas averages across New York state, as reported by AAA of Western and Central New York.
- Batavia - $3.31 (no change from last Monday)
- Buffalo - $3.43 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
- Elmira - $3.28 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
- Ithaca - $3.56 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
- Rochester - $3.47 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
- Rome - $3.59 (up 9 cents from last Monday)
- Syracuse - $3.42 (up 3 cents from last Monday)
- Watertown - $3.46 (up 5 cents from last Monday)