Gas prices have seemingly leveled off after wild waves of fluctuation and that has many people hoping the worst is over. However, with what many in the region call "the season within the season" of what was previously forecast as a very busy hurricane season now upon us, there are still many factors that could still cause headaches at the pump.
Don Redman, Spokesperson for the AAA, warns that any named storm in the gulf will cause an immediate spike in prices. He also points out that any increasing conflict in the Middle East could also cause an immediate jump in the cost at the gas station. According to Redman, prices at the gas station can spike according to the news of the day. So, while the greater trend has pointed toward relief for your pocketbook, he doesn't expect it to be a steady downward slope.
Redman would recommend setting your gas budget at about $3.15 per gallon for the next few weeks as a running average of what prices can be expected. However, he warns again that any major disruption in the distribution and manufacturing of fuel (whether it be a major hurricane or unrest in the Middle East) means all bets are off when it comes to gas prices.
If things remain steady, we may not see prices drop much further, but they could at least level off according to Redman. Gulf Coast residents can remain hopeful, but are advised to budget accordingly.
