Never say ‘never’ when predicting gasoline prices

If you’re going to be an analysis of just about anything, never say “never.”

“Paying less than $3.00 per gallon for gasoline may be automotive history for most Americans, like using 8-track tapes or going to a drive-in movie,” said Bob Darbelnet, President and CEO of AAA just a year ago. “The reality is that expensive gas is here to stay, which is tough on millions of people who need a car to live their lives.”

He wasn’t wrong — technically. The average national price may not drop below $3 again. But the headlines surrounding last year’s predictions were wrong, as it turns out.

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Several gas stations, mostly around the South St. Paul area, are charging $2.95 for gas today. That’s almost 20 cents a gallon cheaper than gas stations just across the river.

“I’m expecting the national average to drop to $3.15 by Halloween, and $3 a gallon as a national average is certainly in the cards,” Andy Lipow, president of consulting firm Lipow Oil Associates, told the Wall Street Journal.

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