TAMPA Gas prices in the Tampa Bay area continue their gradual but steady slide downward, approaching $3 per gallon, a level not reached since the end of last year.
A gallon of regular unleaded now averages $3.202 locally, down from $3.235 a week ago and $3.314 a month ago.
Individual gas station prices can vary widely, and that average is collected by market tracking companies that aggregate credit card purchases at the pump.
Statewide, a gallon of gasoline now averages $3.284, down from $3.317 a week ago and $3.394 a month ago.
Meanwhile, crude oil has reversed course and started to climb again, reaching more than $100 per barrel, compared to near $75 in late September.
Luckily for drivers, that rise may not translate directly into higher prices, said Jessica Brady, spokeswoman for AAA Auto Club South.
"While it's no surprise oil prices rose on the positive economic news, it does not mean we will see a huge surge in gasoline consumption as a result," she said. "U.S. stockpiles of oil increased almost 4 million barrels during the last week of November, a sign demand is still relatively weak. Gas prices may stabilize this week as we see whether or not oil prices continue to rise beyond $100 a barrel or if prices retreat."
On Monday, benchmark crude dropped by about 2 percent, or $2 per barrel. After rising as high as $102.44, the benchmark price ended the day about where it began, at $100.99 per barrel, up just 3 cents.
Looking forward, healthier holiday spending could be a sign of a healthier economy, and prompt gas prices to rise, said GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan.
"If we remember back to last year," DeHaan said, "positive holiday sales also led to higher gasoline prices as Christmas approached, which may play out again this year."
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement