Falling Missouri fuel prices reverse course

Missouri motorists cheered by a recent downturn in fuel prices before the Labor Day weekend may find their optimism cut short, as fuel prices are expected to trend upward again in anticipation of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Gustav as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.

For a couple of weeks, Nevada residents have seen prices slowly slide downward, reaching a low of about $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

But Missouri wholesale fuel prices climbed for the fourth straight day, according to industry price information sources. Crude oil values on international markets rose and then fell on market uncertainty over the potentials for storm damage. Oil companies evacuated some offshore staff, prepared oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and set emergency plans in the potential path of the storm. If Gustav gains hurricane strength and travels through the Gulf as forecasters currently expect, it might force evacuations and shutdown of oil rigs and refineries that account for a major part of U.S. oil and natural gas production.

Missourians weighing household transportation budgets in the light of elevated fuel costs should pay an online visit to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center's "Save Green on Gasoline" Web page. Filled with ways to achieve better fuel economy, the site www.savegreenongasoline.org includes useful tips on driving techniques, car maintenance and trip planning. The site also features links to regional carpool organizers and mass transit and to sources of information on shopping for energy-efficient vehicles.

According to the Energy Center's most recent Energy Bulletin released Aug. 18, Missouri average retail gasoline prices dropped more than 42 cents lower than the record retail price of $3.89 set July 7. The average price for diesel fuel had decreased 58 cents in the past month. Many oil industry sources expect retail prices to move upward as wholesale prices rise and Gulf storm developments become clearer.