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Central New York motorists are getting a break at the pump, with gas prices holding steady as February draws to a close.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Syracuse area sits at $2.96 — unchanged from last week and just one cent more than drivers were paying a month ago.
Statewide, New York drivers are paying an average of $2.99 per gallon, just a hair below the $3 threshold. Nationally, the average climbed slightly to $2.94 per gallon as of Monday (February 23).
Prices are also well below where they stood a year ago. AAA Western and Central NY reports the national average was $3.14 this time last year, while New York State's average was even higher at $3.18.
So why are prices holding steady despite a slight national uptick? Two factors are at play. First, gasoline demand has dropped as fewer drivers venture out during winter weather. Second, oil is currently trading in the low- to mid-$60s per barrel, which is helping keep prices from climbing sharply.
That said, drivers shouldn't expect these prices to last forever. As CNY Central reports, spring typically brings higher pump prices as refineries begin switching over to summer-blend gasoline production — a more expensive process that usually pushes costs up.
Diesel prices are already on the move. The national diesel average rose two cents to $3.63 per gallon, while New York's diesel average jumped five cents to $3.99.
For drivers looking to stretch their fuel dollars, AAA recommends mapping routes ahead of time, avoiding rush hour traffic, combining errands into a single trip, using cruise control on highways, keeping tires properly inflated, and removing unnecessary heavy items from the vehicle. Motorists can also compare local pump prices using the AAA gas price tracker before heading to the station.