U.S. regular gasoline falls below $4 per gallon, first sub-$4 since July
U. S. regular gasoline prices fell to $3. 98 per gallon, the first sub-$4 reading in nearly four months as the winter blend took effect, CBS News reported. Earlier, Hindustan Times said the national average dropped 17. 1 cents to $4. 12 per gallon, the biggest weekly decline in months, as refinery maintenance ended and demand eased.
CBS News had reported that energy analysts expected the average to slip below $4 by early next week, citing lower crude prices, easing Middle-East supply constraints and seasonal demand shifts. CNN noted the price dipped to about $4. 01 per gallon as summer driving waned and earlier nightfall reduced demand, while experts warned prices would stay above pre-Iran-war levels. NPR reported the average fell to $3. 98 per gallon, the first sub-$4 reading in three months, even as consumer prices rose 0. 4 % in October. CNBC said the dip to just under $4 reflected easing energy inflation and lower crude oil prices.
