Haver Analytics
Haver Analytics
Global| Jun 30 2015

U.S. Gasoline Prices Remain Up From January Low

Summary

Gasoline prices eased last week to an average $2.80 per gallon at the pump (-24.4% y/y) but remained higher than the low of $2.04 late in January. Haver Analytics constructs factors adjusting for the seasonal variation in pump prices. [...]


Gasoline prices eased last week to an average $2.80 per gallon at the pump (-24.4% y/y) but remained higher than the low of $2.04 late in January. Haver Analytics constructs factors adjusting for the seasonal variation in pump prices. The seasonally adjusted price moved 2 cents higher to $2.71 per gallon. They remained, however, below the cost at the pump since prices typically are stronger during the summer driving season. Spot market gasoline prices held w/w at $2.10 per gallon (-28.9% y/y).

WTI crude oil costs firmed to an average $60.13 per barrel (-43.6% y/y), up versus the March low of $44.39. Yesterday, prices eased to $58.33 per barrel. These prices compare to a June 2014 high of $107.95. The seasonally adjusted price, generated by Haver Analytics, improved last week to $58.88 per barrel. Brent crude oil prices were fairly stable at $60.84 per barrel but fell to $59.03 yesterday.

Natural gas prices fell to $2.79 per mmbtu last week (-38.0% y/y) and were $2.80 yesterday.

Gasoline demand improved 4.5% y/y and demand for all petroleum products rose 7.2% y/y. Gasoline inventories grew 1.6% y/y and inventories of all petroleum products increased 7.2% y/y.

The energy price data are reported by the U.S. Department of Energy. The petroleum demand and inventory figures are from the Oil & Gas Journal Weekly. These data 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.

Weekly Energy Prices 06/29/15 06/22/15 06/15/15 Y/Y% 2014 2013 2012
Retail Gasoline ($ per Gallon, Regular) 2.80 2.81 2.84 -24.4 2.30 3.33 3.30
Light Sweet Crude Oil, WTI ($ per bbl., WSJ) 60.13 59.89 60.07 -43.6 93.64 97.96 94.20
Natural Gas ($/mmbtu, LA, WSJ) 2.79 2.88 2.81 -38.0 4.37 3.73 2.7
  • Prior to joining Haver Analytics in 2000, Mr. Moeller worked as the Economist at Chancellor Capital Management from 1985 to 1999. There, he developed comprehensive economic forecasts and interpreted economic data for equity and fixed income portfolio managers. Also at Chancellor, Mr. Moeller worked as an equity analyst and was responsible for researching and rating companies in the economically sensitive automobile and housing industries for investment in Chancellor’s equity portfolio.   Prior to joining Chancellor, Mr. Moeller was an Economist at Citibank from 1979 to 1984.   He also analyzed pricing behavior in the metals industry for the Council on Wage and Price Stability in Washington, D.C.   In 1999, Mr. Moeller received the award for most accurate forecast from the Forecasters' Club of New York. From 1990 to 1992 he was President of the New York Association for Business Economists.   Mr. Moeller earned an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University, where he graduated in 1987. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from George Washington University.

    More in Author Profile »

More Economy in Brief