BUFFALO, N.Y. — AAA has determined that there will be 55.4 million travelers Wednesday through Sunday, going 50 miles or more from one destination during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
While the forecast for the most travelers is at its highest since 2019, drivers will pay 36 cents less for fuel since the last Thanksgiving holiday.
This week's national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.29 per gallon which, is down six cents since last week. $3.63 per gallon is Buffalo's total which, is higher than the national price but seven cents cheaper than last year.
Prices in Western New York may remain high because of a lack in refineries.
"As millions of Americans gear up to hit the road for Thanksgiving, the national average is seeing its longest streak of declines in over a year, reaching a ninth straight week as gas prices fall to their lowest since January," Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Patrick De Haan, said.
Diesel prices also dropped seven cents since last week to a national average of $4.28, New York is down by two cents at $4.63. The Diesel price last year was $5.96.
The demand for oil is lower which means, cheaper prices driving the national average for a gallon of gas down 25 cents in the last month. Over the same period of time, The New York average is down 18 cents.
Tips to save fuel during the high travel period include, taking map routes, avoiding peak traffic times like rush hour, using cruise control when possible, and combining errands into one trip.
Before traveling, check to make sure that your tire pressure is at the recommended level. Also, remove unnecessary items to avoid driving a heavy vehicle that takes more fuel.