We are at levels that in the past several years had caused gasoline prices to approach the $1.70-type national average record levels.
Prices are going to be driven directly by the projected path of the storm,
Demand destruction fears are trumping fears about damage to oil facilities. It's not just Katrina that is hurting demand. High prices have strained economies, especially in Asia, and demand is being curtailed as a result.
Demand was down nationwide, partly because drivers were off the road in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi because of Katrina, and obviously because high prices are helping to discourage demand.
The moderate weather is really helping push prices lower, ... There are no signs that OPEC will cut back on output, which has jumped to near records. As long as the oil keeps coming and demand languishes, I see no reason for prices to rise.
There's no telling how high prices of gasoline prices could go, at least for a time. Four dollars or higher is not out of the realm of possibility.
The IEA report reminds us that there could be a supply problem in the fourth quarter. Storm damage and the chemical workers strike in France are going to hurt supply. Given the levels we have fallen from, prices are beginning to look like a bargain.