Drivers may be spending less time on the road, but even more time refueling. Last week the U.S. consumed more gasoline than in any week in April in history -- 9.472 million barrels a day.
But in some states such as here in Oregon, the average number of miles driven is going down, while fuel use continues to rise. This means that less-fuel efficient cars are being driven more frequently, according to the Oregonian. SUV sales are up in the supposedly green northwestern state thanks to deeply discounted (up to $4,000) new vehicles. (Oh you fickle consumers, never considering the long term cost... )
Nationwide gasoline consumption rose 1 percent last year, but this year, American oil production is expected to decrease by 0.6 percent, according to the Energy Information Administration. That means more imports, and continued climbing prices. In California, gasoline is up more than 30 cents over last year even though the price of crude hasn't risen nearly that much.
So look forward to another hazy crazy summer of $50 fill ups.
