AAA reports rising gas prices amid soaring temperatures in New York

AAA has reported a slight increase in gas prices in the Finger Lakes and across the nation amidst rising temperatures. As of Monday, the average price for a gallon of gas in the Finger Lakes is $3.68, a cent higher than the previous week. The national average is $3.60, a three-cent increase from the week prior. The average price in New York State also climbed by three cents to $3.70 per gallon.

Across other locations in Western and Central New York, price variations were minimal. The reported averages were $3.59 in Batavia, down one cent from last Monday; $3.65 in Buffalo, unchanged; $3.62 in Elmira, up two cents; $3.69 in Ithaca, unchanged; $3.71 in Rochester, unchanged; $3.77 in Rome, up one cent; and $3.76 in Watertown, unchanged.

The recent rise in gas prices is primarily due to an increase in oil prices, which have seen an over $10 increase per barrel in recent weeks, currently ranging between $76 to $81. AAA points out that despite a steady demand for gasoline, if oil prices continue to rise, a corresponding increase at the pump is likely. Some industry insiders attribute the lackluster gas demand to the summer heatwave keeping people indoors and off the roads, contributing to the relatively stable pump prices.