AAA: Gas prices may raise slightly
An investor rally late last week helped push the price of crude oil higher, meaning Orlando-area motorists — and motorists nationwide — can expect slightly higher gas prices this week, AAA Auto Club South said.
The rally was spurred by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s statement that the Central Bank is ready to help stimulate the economy if the U.S. shows further signs of a weakened recovery.
As a result, crude oil settled at $75.17 a barrel Friday on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
However, “even with the boost in investor confidence, the current condition of the economy and continued growth of U.S. stockpiles of crude oil do not support crude oil trading above $75 a barrel,” said Jessica Brady, manager of AAA public relations cheap business cards. “Although consumers will see a slight increase in retail gasoline prices this week, it’s very possible prices will dip again next week.”
The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.67 per gallon, 4 cents less than last week. Florida’s average price of $2.62 represents a 4-cent drop from a week ago.
In metro Orlando, the price of self-serve regular currently averages $2.54 a gallon, also down 4 cents from a week ago.