Gas Prices Nationally Dip Below $2

For the first time since March 25, 2009, the national average price of gasoline has dropped below $2 a gallon. Currently over two-thirds of gas stations are selling gasoline at $1.99 or less, yet the national benchmark had previously failed to breach $2 a gallon as fuel prices have been stubbornly slow at dropping in the West and new refinery issues there may soon lead the national average back up. For now, with the recent decline in crude oil prices continuing, the weeklong $2 barrier has finally been crossed.
It was not a matter of whether it could happen but when; various factors have pushed global crude oil prices consistently lower, fuel supply in much of the country has been higher and consumer demand has been unremarkable. There is more good news on the horizon for those who enjoy the low prices: many areas will see them stick around for a good portion of the winter.