Gas prices fall during the past week

Average retail gasoline prices in Nebraska have fallen 8.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.44/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,150 gas outlets in Nebraska. This compares with the national average that has fallen 6.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.33/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Nebraska during the past week, prices yesterday were 87.6 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 21.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 32.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 106.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“With the start of fall, gasoline prices have continued a fall of their own,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “Crude oil prices fell some $2 per barrel last week, and there continues to be downward pressure on oil prices, which in turn will continue to weigh on the nation’s average gasoline price.

“The long mentioned switch back to simpler-to-produce winter gasoline will take effect Thursday, as EPA discontinues seasonal requirements across areas of the U.S. effective Sept. 16. Countrywide, 49 of 50 states saw gas prices decline last week, with Ohio the only state to see a slight rise.

“The Great Lakes decliners, while every state saw at least a change of 2.5 cents a gallon. In the week ahead, widespread gasoline price declines will continue, especially in light of the switch over to cheaper winter fuel in many areas,” DeHaan said.