Drivers heading into Memorial Day weekend are seeing little relief at the pump, with gas prices holding near their highest levels since 2022.
According to AAA Western and Central New York, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline remained at $4.52 Monday. That is unchanged from last week but significantly higher than the $3.18 average recorded a year ago.
New York’s statewide average rose 2 cents over the past week to $4.61 per gallon, compared with $3.13 at the same time last year.
Gas prices across western and central New York
AAA reported the following average prices Monday:
AAA said travelers are expected to hit the roads in record numbers this week while facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years.
Oil prices also increased over the past week, trading between $106 and $111 per barrel Monday, compared with $97 to $104 one week ago.
Demand dips, supply tightens
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand dipped slightly last week from 8.81 million barrels per day to 8.75 million.
Domestic gasoline supplies also declined, falling from 219.8 million barrels to 215.7 million barrels. Gasoline production increased slightly to an average of 9.8 million barrels per day.
Diesel prices remain elevated
Diesel prices also remained high.
The national average price for diesel was $5.63 per gallon Monday, down 1 cent from last week but up sharply from $3.55 a year ago.
New York’s diesel average increased by 1 cent to $5.94 per gallon, compared with $3.89 at this time last year.
EV charging costs steady in New York
Public EV charging prices in New York held steady this week.
The national average cost for Level 2 commercial charging remained at 42 cents per kilowatt-hour, while New York’s average stayed at 40 cents.
AAA said New York is home to more than 21,000 public EV chargers.
A recent AAA survey found more Americans are considering hybrid vehicles over fully electric models. About 35% of adults surveyed said they were likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle next, citing fewer concerns about driving range and charging availability.
Tips to save fuel this holiday weekend
AAA recommends drivers take steps to improve fuel efficiency during holiday travel, including:
AAA said reducing vehicle weight and maintaining proper tire pressure can help improve gas mileage and lower fuel costs.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Gas prices remain high ahead of Memorial Day travel. What drivers should know
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
