{"id":12443,"date":"2017-03-22T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T14:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/?p=12443"},"modified":"2017-03-22T08:39:17","modified_gmt":"2017-03-22T13:39:17","slug":"aaa-says-for-now-gas-prices-continue-to-drift-lower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/2017\/03\/22\/aaa-says-for-now-gas-prices-continue-to-drift-lower\/","title":{"rendered":"AAA says for now Gas Prices continue to drift lower"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AAA\"Tampa, FL<\/span><\/strong> – Gas prices have declined 14 of the last 16 days. During that time, the national average price  has declined 2 cents. Pump prices have drifted lower on increased inventories and declining oil prices.   <\/p>\n

“Gas prices are falling now, but fundamentals are pointing higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gulf Coast refineries are moving into their peak maintenance season, causing them to reduce gasoline production at a time when demand is slowly rising. This seasonal trend, could push gas prices 25-50 cents higher by June, unless oil prices do not recover as expected.”<\/p>\n

\"Crude<\/a>

Crude oil prices recorded a new 2017 low last week.<\/p><\/div>\n

Crude oil prices recorded a new 2017 low of $47.72, but returned to nearly $49.00 a barrel by the end of the week.<\/p>\n

Conversations swirled following comments from the Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, that OPEC would be willing to extend production cuts beyond the six-month agreement, especially if global inventories stay bloated.<\/p>\n

The energy minister\u2019s comments gave little support to the market as the OPEC production freeze continues to be diluted by elevated U.S. production. Oil service company, Baker Hughes, reported that the U.S. rig count increased again last week when producers added 14 drilling rigs in the United States.<\/p>\n

Traders will continue to watch whether OPEC and non-OPEC members make moves to further cut production in an attempt to balance the global oil supply. The most recent EIA forecast has WTI crude ranging from $46.00-$63.00 a barrel in May.<\/p>\n

Fuel Fundamentals<\/h3>\n

(Based on weekly data provided by the EIA)<\/p>\n