Gas prices continue to drop, down 26 cents in Orleans since early October

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2023 at 8:31 am

Gas prices dropped 8 cents nationally and 7 cents state-wide from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18, according to AAA.

The average price for regular unleaded nationally was at $3.07 on Monday, and $3.41 in New York State.

“Lower oil prices continue to drive the decline as the average price for a barrel of oil has fallen from the $80s into the low to mid-$70s where it stands today,” AAA said on Monday.

In Orleans County, the average price for regular unleaded is at $3.607 today, which compares to $3.740 on Nov. 6 and $3.871 on Oct. 9.

Here are the average prices in Western New York counties today:

Orleans, $3.607
Genesee, $3.477
Wyoming, $3.625
Livingston, $3.623
Niagara, $3.464
Monroe, $3.421
Erie, $3.572
Chautauqua, $3.505
Cattaraugus, $3.447
Allegany, $3.655

Diesel prices are also declining, AAA reported. The national average price for diesel is $4.00, down 10 cents from last Monday, and down from $4.78 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.51, down four cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.48 one year ago.

“AAA is forecasting nearly 104 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more from home during the 10-day holiday period from December 23 through January 1 so demand will likely increase through the end of the year,” AAA said. “If oil prices remain low, drivers can expect gas prices to follow suit during the holidays.”