Average gasoline prices improved another 12 cents last week to $2.19 per gallon (-33.8% y/y) following the prior week's 3 cent lift from the low. Prices peaked at $3.70 per gallon this past June. Haver Analytics constructs factors adjusting for the seasonal variation in pump prices. The seasonally adjusted price increase 10 cents to $2.34 per gallon last week.

For the week ended February 6, WTI crude oil prices recovered to an average $50.58 per barrel (-48.3% y/y). Yesterday prices moved higher to $52.86 per barrel. These prices compare to a June peak of $107.95. The seasonally adjusted price generated by Haver Analytics improved further to $53.96 per barrel last week. Brent crude oil prices improved to $54.62 per barrel last week (-49.3% y/y) then to $57.00 yesterday.

Natural gas prices declined further to $2.64 (-58.6% y/y) per mmbtu during the week ended February 6. Prices ticked higher to $2.60 yesterday.

The demand for all petroleum products improved 2.1% y/y and gasoline demand increased 6.3% y/y. Inventories of crude oil and petroleum products increased 7.9% y/y, the strongest rise in five years, and gasoline inventories grew 2.4% y/y.

The energy price data are reported by the U.S. Department of Energy and petroleum demand and inventory figures can be found in Haver's WEEKLY database. The daily figures are in DAILY and greater detail on prices, demand and production, along with regional breakdowns, are in OILWKLY.