US families spent an average of nearly $3,000 on fuel last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's Official: National average gas price hits $4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The listless economic recovery continues to take a bite out of gasoline demand. It's clear from the gasoline deliveries data that consumer confidence in the economy remains shaky. This certainly supports API's position that increased taxes or other anti-jobs policies by Congress or the administration could increase unemployment and harm our economic recovery.

Continue reading API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Taxes drive gas prices to over $7 a gallon in UK, mass boycott coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO]

New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The price of crude oil dropped below $100-a-barrel yesterday (its lowest level since February) as the slowing economy -- bringing with it a reduced demand for oil -- raised concerns. Interestingly enough, the drop in crude didn't affect the price of gasoline as it rose 16 cents per gallon due to refinery closures from Hurricane Ike. The storm only caused moderate damage to oil platforms, but more than a dozen Texas and Louisiana refineries were shut down or idled ahead of the storm. It was just July when crude oil prices peaked at just over $145 per barrel, and gas prices neared $5 in many parts of the country. The high cost of fuel over the summer stymied drivers, who cut back on consumption forcing the price of oil to slowly retreat. Analysts who predicted doom ($200-a-barrel by the end of the year) are now scaling back their forecasts, and some have even predicted crude may eventually drop to $70-a-barrel. While we obviously welcome any drop in the price of crude, it's the volatility -- the sharp fluctuations as a result of market conditions -- that we would also like to see addressed.

[Source: New York Times, Photo by ADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty]

Crude oil plummets to below $100/barrel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sales of premium fuel fall sharply originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hurricane season may bring $6-a-gallon gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the cost of gasoline skyrocketing, thieves in Hawaii -- where the average price easily exceeds $4 per gallon -- have taken extraordinary measures to steal fuel. Only mildly deterred by locking gas caps, bandits have been cutting fuel lines to circumvent the common preventatives. With nothing more than a straight edge blade, a piece of garden hose, and a bucket, the lawless make easy work of the plastic fuel lines under cars as they cut them to gain simple access to the tank and its flammable yet valuable liquid contents.

So far, most of the victims have been businesses or commercial ventures with several large trucks in their fleet. Parked unattended in lots overnight, their 20-30 gallon fuel tanks and raised ride height make them easy targets with larger yields than the average passenger vehicle. To deter the theft, business owners have installed sophisticated video surveillance cameras on their property and outfitted some vehicles with steel gas lines. "If they're crazy enough to go cut a steel line to steal the gas, they should be welcome to it," says George Nitta, owner of Nitta Auto Repair. "All they need is one spark from that saw and that's it, you're done." Thanks for the tip, catgirlshyla!

[Source: Honolulu Advertiser, photo by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images]

Gasoline theft in Hawaii on the rise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a sign that the high cost of gasoline has finally struck a central nerve, car shoppers today are reportedly more concerned about fuel economy than they are about the brand of vehicle when shopping for a new car. In addition, consumers want more government control over fuel economy. This startling news, and a reversal of consumer trends two years ago, is the result of a new AAA survey which studied consumers' attitudes towards fuel prices.

It appears that consumers were getting used to the cyclic fluctuations of gas prices. Prices shot up based on market conditions, supply and demand, and season increases. However, they always seemed to drop back to more palatable levels... at least they used to. Today, according to leading economists, consumers are finally catching-on to the idea that $4 a gallon gas might be the norm. This reality-check of fuel costs will lead to downsizing, and a focus on vehicle efficiency. Have we finally found the Achilles heel of the SUV?

[Source: The Detroit News, photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

AAA survey says fuel mileage paramount in consumers minds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Tata Nano

Cheap cars in India = expensive gas in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading When the Oil Bubble Breaks - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

When the Oil Bubble Breaks - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're certain that we're not the only ones that shake our heads in disgust when we roll by a gas station (and bow our heads in shame when we actually have to fill up). With the price of gas starting to come down, we certainly all are a little puzzled about what influences fuel prices. Howstuffworks.com comes to the rescue with a overview about what factors control the price of gasoline and the price of oil. While this is far from an exhaustive analysis at the elements that influence energy prices, the article does provide more in-depth analysis about the hot button topics in the economics of fuel.

The only explanation that we did not see is how oil companies are making record profits with oil AND its derivative product, gasoline, at such high prices. We want to see a step by step look at each stage in the process from well to wheels, and where each side takes its cut. Otherwise, the howstuffworks.com article does give more time to the subject than we typically see in other media outlets. So get going and find out what goes into making a $3.00 gallon of gas.

How gas prices work originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Sep 2006 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Every driver  is feeling the pinch at the pump these days, but the skyrocketing cost of gasoline is affecting more than just your commuting habits. Ordering out for pizza? You might want to reconsider the pepperoni. Having flowers delivered to your sweetie? Might want to switch the roses for carnations. Need a landscaper? Take a look in the mirror-- because the rise in oil prices is leading service-based businesses of all stripes to ratchet up their prices or lose revenue.

While many are resisting adding a dollar or two to the costs of their goods and services, if pump prices continue to trend upward as expected, fewer will be able to avoid passing the buck to consumers. For many, a slight surcharge to account for gas premiums won't curtail their spending habits, but for some, it may mean the difference between ordering-in or cooking at home. Regardless, it's another way in which the high cost of filling up is affecting local and national economies.

Have you noticed an increase in costs attributable to gasoline prices? Sound off in 'Comments.'

[Source: The Daily Breeze; SushiCam.com]

"Hold the anchovies": Rising gas prices increasing costs for service industries originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.