Main Topic: U.S. gas prices hit an eight-month high amid rising oil prices.
Key Points:
1. National average price for a gallon of regular unleaded climbed to $3.71, the highest level since November.
2. Gas prices are up by at least $0.15 cents in 16 states in the past week alone.
3. Surge in oil prices, production cuts by OPEC nations, and U.S. refinery outages contribute to the increase in gas prices.
Gas prices in California have risen to $5.26 per gallon, an increase of nearly $0.40 in the past month, and could be further impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary, potentially causing refinery shutdowns and further price increases.
Gas prices in the US are nearing $4 a gallon, up 60 cents since the start of the year, which could complicate the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates as it tries to rein in inflation.
Gas prices in the US are at historically high levels for Labor Day weekend due to factors including OPEC supply cuts and extreme heat affecting refineries, with the national average for regular gas at $3.83 per gallon, just shy of the record set in 2012 at $3.84 per gallon.
The average retail price of regular gasoline in the United States has increased by 6% over the past five weeks, reaching $3.81 per gallon heading into the Labor Day weekend, due to factors such as oil production cuts, low gasoline inventories, and refinery maintenance.
Gas prices in Kansas and Missouri are expected to increase by 50 cents to $1 per gallon due to a refinery outage, leading to potential retail price hikes in the region.
The average price of gas in Michigan has fallen by 6 cents to $3.63 a gallon, 10 cents less than last month and 22 cents less than last year, but rising oil prices, higher gas demand, and tighter supply may push prices higher.
Gas prices in Los Angeles County have climbed rapidly, with the average price per gallon increasing by nearly 20 cents in just 48 hours due to ongoing refinery issues and unexpected outages.
The average price of gasoline in the United States has risen to $3.881 per gallon, compared to $3.678 per gallon a year ago, due to refinery outages in the western United States.
Gas prices in the US have reached their highest level in 11 months, posing challenges for the Federal Reserve in its campaign to control inflation. Factors contributing to the increase include rising oil prices, production cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia, reduced refinery production due to hot weather, and low reserves in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. However, prices are expected to decrease with the switch to a cheaper gasoline blend in the fall and projected global economic slowdown in 2024.
Gas prices are expected to rise to $100 per barrel of crude oil, but experts believe consumers will be able to handle the increase, with some price easing predicted in the future.
Continental Resources CEO Doug Lawler predicts that crude prices will remain high and could reach $120 to $150 per barrel without increased production, adding that more output is necessary to prevent further price pressure.
Some gas stations in Southern California are charging nearly $7 per gallon for regular gasoline, the highest in the nation, due to refinery outages and maintenance.
Oil prices near $100 per barrel, driven by supply cuts from major producers, may not be sustainable in the long term due to global economic fragility, incoming seasonal demand drops, and the potential for demand destruction once prices reach $110 per barrel.
Gas prices in California, particularly in Los Angeles County, have reached an all-time high, leading inspectors to check local gas stations for price gouging. The state average is $6.07, $2.24 higher than the rest of the country, with LA County prices at $6.31, causing inspectors to ensure that customers are receiving the correct amount of fuel for their payment.
U.S. gasoline prices are expected to decrease and may reach $3 per gallon due to a drop in crude oil futures, potentially benefiting consumers and cooling inflation but also indicating economic weakness with low gasoline demand.
Gas prices in the US have been falling, with the nationwide average dropping 7 cents in the past week and expected to decrease even further, potentially falling by 50 cents by the end of the month, due to a decrease in the cost of crude oil and a decline in demand.
