NEW YORK (WKBW) — AAA announced Tuesday the national average for a gallon of gas has dropped below $2 for the first time in four years.
The New York State average for a gallon of gas is $2.33, in Buffalo the average is $2.37.
AAA says the decline is due to COVID-19's impact on the global economy as well as the crude oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
“AAA expects gas prices to keep dropping as cheap crude combines with the realities of people are staying home and less demand for gas,” said Elizabeth Carey, AAA spokesperson. “While demand is diminishing, COVID-19 is not impacting the U.S. gasoline supply.”
According to AAA, there is an unusual amount of winter-blend gasoline available which has caused the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the sale of it from a May 1 deadline to May 20.
“The EPA’s extension of the winter-blend gasoline waiver will contribute to sustained lower prices, especially as U.S. gasoline demand readings look more like winter-driving season than spring,” said Carey.
AAA forecasts the cheaper gas prices are here for the foreseeable future until crude oil prices and gasoline demand increase.
Below you can find some tips from AAA for those who are not driving and leaving vehicles parked for longer than expected:
· Battery Boost. Remember to drive the vehicle twice a week to keep the battery in good working condition. AAA is available to test and replace batteries right in the driveway or the street in most areas.
· Fuel Stabilizer. If gas is going to sit in the vehicle’s tank for more than a few months, particularly gasoline that contains ethanol, AAA recommends using a treatment designed for fuel stabilization such as STA-BIL®. Anyone can do this, and it is as simple as fueling up a vehicle. Fill the gas tank to help minimize condensation and drive the car for five to ten miles to ensure that the stabilized fuel circulates throughout the fuel system.
· Tire Pressure. Add 10 psi of pressure to each tire to help prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. This occurs when the area of the tire touching the ground becomes rigid due to sitting in one position for an extended period. You can also move the vehicle periodically.
· Windshield Wiper Placement. Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield and won’t get stuck to the glass.
· No Parking Brake. Don’t use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. The brake could become frozen, and the brake pads could rust to the rotors, or brake shoes could distort the drums. With an automatic transmission, simply place the vehicle in park. If the car has a manual transmission, put it in first or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.
