TAMPA, Fla. — Falling crude oil prices have helped keep downward pressure on the price at the pump and drivers continue to pay prices unseen since 2009.
Sunday's national average price of $1.74 per gallon represents a savings of 6 cents per gallon since last week, 43 cents lower than a year ago. Consumers continue to save more than $1 per gallon versus the 2015 peak price.
"Attention remains focused on the global oil market’s oversupply as volatility has once again returned to the price of crude oil," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Speculation about discussions between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producers to reduce output has appeared to have some impact on the global price of crude oil. However this impact is likely to be short-lived unless there is further suggestion that an agreement is near. The impact of the lower-for-longer price environment on non-OPEC countries is also being discussed, and studies projecting output for 2016 are beginning to surface."
WTI closed out the week down 83 cents to settle at $30.89 per barrel at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX.
Florida: The current average price of $1.80 is 3 cents lower than last week and 40 cents lower than this time last year.
Georgia: The current average price of $1.70 is 3 cents lower than last week and 39 cents lower than this time last year.
Tennessee: The current average price of $1.57 is 4 cents lower than last week and 45 cents lower than this time last year.
"Gas prices in the southeastern U.S. didn't decline as much as in recent weeks, in what could be a sign that refineries are beginning seasonal maintenance, leading to a slowdown in gasoline output," Jenkins said. "Unless oil prices decline in the coming weeks, there's a good chance that prices at the pump could begin to inch up. Historically, refinery maintenance has led to 50-70 cent increases at the pumps from February to June."
