Gas prices appear to have eased up nationally and statewide, but prices at the pump continue to increase at the local level. According to AAA, Monday's national average price for a gallon of gas decreased by more than a cent from a week ago and is now $3.26. New York State's average remains unchanged at $3.30. However, the average price in Chautauqua County went up by nearly four cents and is now $3.39. One year ago, the national and state averages were $3.37 and $3.45, respectively.
AAA says the easing pump prices nationally may be due to the recent news that a large refinery in Indiana is reopening soon after being offline since early February. Meanwhile, milder weather and longer days are in the forecast, which means the seasonal rise in gas prices is primed to begin. Experts project it will be a slow, wobbly start to rising prices this spring.
AAA of Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following regional averages:
- Batavia - $3.23 (no change from last Monday)
- Buffalo - $3.29 (down one cent from last Monday)
- Elmira - $3.11 (up four cents from last Monday)
- Ithaca - $3.23 (up one cent from last Monday)
- Rochester - $3.26 (down one cent from last Monday)
- Rome - $3.33 (down one cent from last Monday)
- Syracuse - $3.24 (down two cents from last Monday)
- Watertown - $3.29 (no change from last Monday)
Click here for the latest local gas prices.
