AAA has released its gas price forecast for the 3rd week of the new decade.

According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.58.
That's no change since last week. At this time in 2019, the price was $2.25.

In New York State, the average is $2.72.
Also no change from last week. A year ago it was $2.55.

Here's a snapshot of average gas prices in large cities across the state:

• Syracuse - $2.63 (down one cent since last week)
  
• Ithaca - $2.70 (no change since last week)
  
• Rome - $2.70 (up one cent since last week)
  
• Watertown - $2.71 (no change since last week)
  
• Rochester - $2.69 (no change since last week)
  
• Batavia - $2.67 (up one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.64 (down one cent since last week)

According to AAA, we’ve yet to see the expected drop in gas prices that usually comes in January because of tensions still high in the Middle East.

However, despite the conflict, prices are remaining stable.

AAA reports this is because of increased domestic production, and less reliance on the Middle East.

The mild winter weather also has more people traveling, so demand remains strong for gasoline at this time.