Thousands of Central New Yorkers will be joining tens of millions of others across the country who are traveling over the next several days for the Thanksgiving holiday. AAA Travel of Central and Western New York estimates 54.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home…that’s a nearly five percent increase over last year.
Most will be traveling by car, and that means filling up the tank. Triple-A spokesperson Lindsay Kensy says prices have actually been dropping ahead of the holiday, but not everywhere.
“In Buffalo, we are seeing prices at about $2.94, and that is a decrease from what it was but, Syracuse is all the way down to $2.74. So, it is a pretty sizeable difference in the gas prices. So, if you’re heading out from Syracuse to Buffalo, you just maybe want to make sure that you fill up in Syracuse.”
Kensy says more competition in certain regions seems to be a factor.
“The other thing that really drives prices down, especially in Rochester and Syracuse is Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club can drive prices down because members do save on gas there.”
…Usually about a dime per gallon. But Kensy says the lower prices might not stay. The increased demand over the holiday weekend could cause a temporary spike in prices for about a week. She says motorists can save gas by making sure tires are properly inflated, and driving the speed limit. Kensy also says to practice safe driving habits.
“Pay attention to the roads. Let someone else be the GPS. To look at the directions, so you can focus on driving.”
Snow and cold are in the forecast for much of upstate tomorrow, so Kensy recommends having emergency snacks, water, a shovel, and jumper cables on hand.
