Drivers are seeing some relief at the gas pump as the national average for regular gasoline continues its slide for the third consecutive week. According to AAA, the nationwide average as of Monday morning is $4.07 per gallon, which is down almost 10 cents from last week. The average for New York State has dropped nearly nine cents to $4.36. And Chautauqua County's average has fallen five cents to $4.48. One year ago, the national and state averages were $3.14 and $3.11, respectively.
The current downward trend in gas prices coincides with a reported breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices briefly dipped to $80 per barrel when the deal was announced, but with the situation still evolving and the strait not expected to reopen until at least Friday, AAA says uncertainty around global oil flows continues to make this summer's price outlook less predictable than usual.
AAA of Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following regional averages:
- Batavia - $4.34 (down seven cents from last Monday)
- Buffalo - $4.45 (down six cents from last Monday)
- Elmira - $4.21 (down 13 cents from last Monday)
- Ithaca - $4.50 (down six cents from last Monday)
- Rochester - $4.45 (down five cents from last Monday)
- Rome - $4.42 (down six cents from last Monday)
- Syracuse - $4.44 (down six cents from last Monday)
- Watertown - $4.41 (down five cents from last Monday)
Click here for local gas prices.
