The final week of 2024 shows a decline in the price of gasoline. According to AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY), the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.03, down a cent from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.12.

The New York State average is $3.12, down one cent from last Monday. A year ago, the state average was $3.37. In Buffalo, the average price is $3.13 per gallon. In Syracuse, the average price is $3.14. Batavia and Rochester each have an average price of $3.22, while Ithaca is $3.33 per gallon, and Elmira is down to $3.08 per gallon.

Chautauqua County prices remain around $3.40 per gallon.

The national average price for diesel fuel is also down one cent from last Monday, currently at $3.49. The New York average is $3.83, also down one cent from last Monday.

According to AAA, the national average has yet to fall below the $3 mark this year, and it might not before the New Year. However, it is typical to see fuel prices drop again in January after the holiday travel period ends. AAA estimates nearly 107 million motorists drove 50 miles or more from their home during the 12-day period between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1.

When it comes to EV charging, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity remain steady. The national average for a kilowatt of electricity at an L2 commercial charging station continues to sit at 34 cents. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles.

A retreat by oil prices recently into the low-to-mid-$70s per barrel is helping to bring the price of gasoline down following a spike in pump prices during the year-end holiday travel period.

To conserve fuel, motorists are encouraged to map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle.

For more information, visit gasprices.AAA.com or download the AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.