Average gas prices fall below $3 in NYS; $3.22 average in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 9:45 pm

The average price for regular unleaded gas has dipped below $3 a gallon in New York State. AAA reported the state-wide price in NY is at $2.998 per gallon today. That is down from $3.03 a week ago and $3.14 a year ago.

Nationally, the average price is at $2.80 a gallon compared to $3.07 a year ago, according to AAA.

“The new year is bringing lowest gas prices the nation has seen since 2021,” AAA said. “While the national average is well below the $3 threshold, the New York average has reached that mark dipping just below $3 per gallon with prices in the state capital, Albany, at $2.98. In Central New York, Syracuse is also at $2,98 while Elmira’s average is $2.80. Prices in other areas should continue to drop if oil prices remain low. This morning, oil prices range from $58 to $63 per barrel.”

Diesel prices are also on the decline, AAA reported. The national average is $3.50 – down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.86, down a penny from a week ago.

Here are the average prices in WNY counties:

Orleans, $3.222
Genesee, $3.048
Niagara, $3.075
Monroe, $3.081
Livingston, $3.128
Wyoming, $3.172
Erie, $3.102
Chautauqua, $3.213
Cattaraugus, $3.065
Allegany, $3.186