Overview
- The Energy Information Administration reports the Lower Atlantic average fell for a third week to $3.79 per gallon.
- The U.S. average hovered near $4.04 last week after peaking around $4.25 in mid-April.
- Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents per gallon is likely in the near term as traders brace for supply risks tied to the Iran war.
- Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said traders expect short-lived disruption rather than a lasting shutdown, which could let prices ease if tensions cool.
- Despite the run-up, U.S. fuel remains cheaper than much of Europe because domestic oil output is higher and fuel taxes are lower, with about 60 cents per gallon from taxes in March.