Watertown gas prices average $4.43 as pump costs remain high

The average price for regular gasoline in Watertown is $4.43 per gallon, a four-cent decrease from the previous week, according to AAA Western and Central New York. Prices remain elevated across New York and nationally as crude oil trades above $100 per barrel.

The New York State average is $4.38 per gallon, down four cents from the previous Monday. The national average is $4.28, down one cent. AAA's regional averages also list Rome at $4.43, Ithaca at $4.39, Rochester at $4.38, Buffalo at $4.35, Batavia at $4.34, Syracuse at $4.32 and Elmira at $4.23.

AAA said the seasonal shift to winter-blend gasoline, which generally costs less to produce, has not brought much relief because of high crude prices. The national average has remained above $4 per gallon since late July, and September's monthly national average of $4.33 was a record for that month. This is the first year the national average has remained above $4 in October, AAA said.

Watertown's average is based on stations in and around the city rather than one individual station. Recent readings rose from $4.10 in early July to $4.57 in late September before easing to $4.54 in early October, $4.51 in mid-October and $4.47 on Oct. 19.

Diesel remains substantially more expensive. New York's average is $6.49 per gallon, down one cent from the previous week, while the national average is $6.34, up three cents. Both remain higher than a year earlier.

The Energy Information Administration's New York regular-gasoline series shows a gradual weekly decline, from $4.380 on Oct. 5 to $4.353 on Oct. 12 and $4.313 on Oct. 19. Crude oil has been trading between $101 and $115 per barrel amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz, according to AAA.

For drivers across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, AAA recommends combining errands, avoiding peak traffic, using cruise control when possible, keeping tires at the recommended pressure and removing unnecessary heavy items from vehicles. Prices can be compared through AAA's gas-price website or the AAA Mobile App.

The EIA's next weekly Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026. AAA's regional reports are issued weekly, with the next report expected the following Monday.