AAA: Gas prices stuck in ‘neutral’ as spring carries on

The national average price for a gallon of gas as of this report is $3.54.

Here in New York, average prices are right near $3.65, nearly the same as a week and a month ago, however; much cheaper than nearly $5 this time last-year, according to the AAA.

Following a brief, yet noticeable rise in pump prices this spring, overall costs have remained somewhat neutral as the summer season approaches. “Despite mild weather and a less volatile economic forecast, drivers are not hitting the road and raising gasoline demand to traditional seasonal levels,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson.

“It’s possible this is merely the lull before Memorial Day, but it could be a trend that lingers into summer. Stay Tuned.”

"They're also in preparation for the pre-summer driving season and there is always a lull in that period regarding domestic demand," said Patti Artessa, AAA's Northeast Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs. 

"New York average gas prices are always 15-cents higher than the national, unfortunately; and what they're saying right now is that the oil market is leading to lower prices." 

Be sure to listen to our latest on-air coverage with Patti Artessa here:

Earlier this month, data from the Energy Information Administration suggested gasoline demand declined from 9.30 to 8.91 million barrels per-day.

If gas demand continues to decrease, the AAA says drivers could see pump prices follow suit.

*This story was updated with additional quotes and information as of 6:42 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Image via the AAA.