Right now, according to GasBuddy, the national gas price average is about $2.63 per gallon. Not, bad. Not GREAT, but better than most of Europe where prices average around $7 a gallon (OUCH!). GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan doesn’t expect prices to go down this winter. Here’s a small clip from his recent blog post:
What a year it has been. Since seeing gasoline prices collapse last fall, prices have risen some to nearly 41% higher than they were a year ago, and I have to say, the economy isn’t looking much healthier, so what happens now?
Looking at data, I believe that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, prices are likely to rise. The state of the economy here is improving, albeit slowly, and that means that our appetite for motor fuels will increase. While I don’t foresee any shocks at the pump between now and Christmas, I do think we’ll see fluctuating prices, but we will see prices slowly move higher.
We’re also seeing an increase in geopolitical tensions as Iran began war games this week, pushing up concern about a rash move from the oil producing country. Also helping boost prices is the perception that with additional refineries closing, capacity will drop, adding more risk into the market if demand moves up in the coming months.
So, what does that mean? I hope it doesn’t mean we revisit the $3.00/gal prices of 2007, like we had the winter before the price explosion of 2008.
3. December 2009 at 5:57 pm
Didn't the gas price explosion also lead to a small car and scooter explosion? The only way that the general public takes conservation seriously is when it hits them in the pocketbook. Consistently higher fuel prices might transform the state of American transportation, especially since we will be getting the Chevy Cruze and Volt, the Ford Fiesta, and maybe even a Chrysler/Fiat 500 or a Toyota plug-in hybrid. Not to mention higher scooter sales. The fun factor can only move so many scooters, economic and societal factors play a much larger role. I don't want to pay more for gas, but I would only gripe a little if it meant fewer of my neighbors commuting in 1-ton trucks and more on two wheels.
3. December 2009 at 6:15 pm
Bill… I like you. It's like were on the same wavelength or something. If you ate boiled peanuts, liked going to low rider car shows, listened to AKUS and enjoyed quiet moments with a sketch pad and a brainstorm then I'd say we were TWINS!
I'd like to see that Fiat 500 come here.
3. December 2009 at 9:58 pm
Peanuts: Yes.
Lowrider Shows: Haven't been yet, but there are always some in the art car parade and I went to that seven years in a row.
AKUS: Not too familiar, but I like Robert Plant.
Sketchpad: I make lots of drawings on post-its at work and take them home
I'm about to send you an email about something cool.
4. December 2009 at 3:58 pm
6,24 $ / g is the avg. price of gasoline in Romania (eastern Europe).
and bare in mind that the avg. romanian earns about 498.2$/month (This is OUCH!).
i guess if the conditions were like in the US (much higher earnings/mo and much lower gasoline price) , the polution were much, much higher.
i read this blog from a very long time, and this is my first comment here.
so imagine how your world would be with higher gasoline price and less earnings :)
20. October 2010 at 7:51 am
I agree with WM Lincoln,
Lower gas prices inevitably leads to irresponsibility.
Here in MA. they’re more than likely going to roll back the sales tax from 6.25% to 3% if enough people vote yes on question 3 in our up coming ballot. This means the proposed $.19 cent tax on each gallon of gas will more than likely pass since it’s something they don’t have to ask people whether they want it or not!
They’ll just do it!
I think it’s a good thing and just might result in more people parking their Hummers and SUV’s. They might even think seriously about a Scooter, Honda Fit, Toyota Prius or Fiat 500 that Chrysler recently announced will have 200 dealers this year. They hope to sell 2000 in the first year.