AAA: Gas prices pop ahead of Independence Day Holiday

Gas prices have risen slightly as travel is expected to increase significantly for the Fourth of July holiday.

As of this report Tuesday morning, the national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.50, which is only four-cents more than last-week’s average of $3.46.

A month ago now, national average gas prices were just north of $3.50. The same can be said for a year ago as well. “Summer got off to a slow start last week with low gas demand,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson.

“But with a record 60 million travelers forecast to hit the road for the July 4th holiday, that number could pop over the next ten days. But will oil stay above $80 a barrel, or will it sag again? Stay tuned.”

Here in New York, drivers are filling up at the pumps with a statewide average of $3.60, which is slightly more than a week ago, but less than the $3.65 average this time in June.

A year ago now, drivers in New York were paying just shy of $3.70.

Locally, drivers have been paying an average range between $3.60 and $3.70 while filling up their tanks.

According to GasBuddy, gas prices are very similar and in some cases cheaper up north in the city of Watertown, NY and down in the Syracuse, NY region.

The same can be said for the cities of Rome and Utica, NY.

AAA image.