Gas prices threaten spring drives
Experts say pump prices are set to climb as the summer road‑trip season nears — current high prices are “locking in” record gains at the pump, forcing travelers to rethink budgets and routes (ca.finance.yahoo.com). UK and US readers report changing itineraries because of higher fuel and airfare costs, with polls showing many cutting destinations or travel days to save money (centralmaine.com).
U.S. pump prices have climbed sharply this spring: the national average rose from $2.98 on Feb. 26 to about $3.98 by March 26 and exceeded $4.00 by April 1, reflecting a roughly $1.00 increase in a month. Global crude jumped in early April, with Brent trading above $107 per barrel and WTI near the low $100s as markets priced in disruptions tied to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and related supply cuts. U.S. refinery throughput was operating near capacity, with refineries at about 92.9% operable capacity in the week ending March 20 while production shifts to pricier summer‑blend gasoline add costs during the seasonal turnaround. California’s regional problems amplify national pressure: recent refinery shutdowns and planned closures in the state account for a material share of local capacity and analysts estimate those losses could raise retail prices by roughly $1.21 per gallon if no market adjustments occur. The federal government has been reported to be considering temporary relief measures, including waiving some summer gasoline regulations and extending E15 sales into the summer driving season to blunt pump-price increases. Market forecasters and travel data show mixed signals for spring and summer travel: GasBuddy projects a brief spring peak with prices potentially easing after June, while surveys and reporting indicate a decline in the share of U.S. consumers planning vacations or road trips amid rising fuel and airfare costs.
