Predictions Say Gas Prices To Decline

Gasoline prices in the valley have increased noticeably in just the last two weeks, reflecting the trend across the nation.  However, despite the recent increase in gasoline prices, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects falling crude oil prices will ultimately lead to a small decline in average motor fuel costs this year compared with last year. The price for regular gasoline is expected to average $3.55 a gallon in 2013 and $3.39 next year, according to EIA’s new Short-Term Energy Outlook. That’s down from $3.63 a gallon in 2012. For the short-term, however, pump prices are expected to peak at $3.73 per gallon in May because of higher seasonal fuel demand and refiners switching their production to make cleaner burning gasoline for the summer. AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report continues to place Wyoming as the state with the lowest average price for gasoline at $3.06-point-9 per gallon of unleaded regular.