Gas Prices Retreating--$2.01 in 'Boro

Motorists did not have to wait until fall to see gas prices move lower. Some local discounters in Murfreesboro started the week at $2.01. Instead of following a more traditional upward trend through the second half of August, prices at the pump are retreating.

"Robust fuel supplies pushed retail prices lower last week, but this downward trend may not last much longer" said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Gas prices will face upward pressure this week due to a series of refinery issues in the Gulf Coast. Popular markets for the solar eclipse may also see higher pump prices, due to increased demand in the area, which could leave some gas stations low on fuel."

Tennessee gas prices declined 1-cent during the past week. Sunday's state average of $2.14 is 20 cents more than this time last year. The state average has declined the past 8 consecutive days for a total of 1 cent.

• The most expensive gas price averages in Tennessee are in Memphis ($2.19), Nashville ($2.16), Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol ($2.13)
• The least expensive gas price averages in Tennessee are in Chattanooga ($2.06), Clarksville-Hopkinsville ($2.07), Knoxville ($2.10)

Refinery Issues Pushed Wholesale Prices Higher

• ExxonMobil's 584,000 bpd Baytown, Texas refinery is down after having trouble restarting, following two months of scheduled maintenance.
• Shell Deer Park refinery in Texas is expected to be closed for at least a week, following a fire on Thursday.
• News of issues at these two refineries caused spot prices in the Gulf Coast to climb, increasing the cost of gasoline as it is delivered to our pumps.

Solar Eclipse = "Lights Out" for Gas Pumps?

• Cities located along the "path of totality" for today's solar eclipse are likely to be swarming with visitors, hoping to get the perfect view of this phenomenon.
• The influx of motorists will take a toll on gasoline supplies in these markets, which could lead to supply shortages and higher prices.

"AAA discourages motorists from watching the solar eclipse while driving," Jenkins continued. "Motorists should realize other drivers may be attempting to watch the eclipse and drive at the same time. To help prevent trouble, reduce your speed and keep additional space between you and other vehicles.The better option is to find a safe place to park, and then observe the eclipse."

Hurricane Season Heating Up

• One factor steering futures prices higher last week was the possible development of several storms pushing across the Atlantic.
• It appears these storms have a low likelihood of developing into a major storm.
• However, we are entering a very active time of the Hurricane Season.
• The market would be quick to react to a major storm that moves toward the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to over 45 percent of total U.S. petroleum refining capacity.
• The bulk of these refineries and oil rigs are along the Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi coast lines.
• A major storm entering these areas wold cause rig evacuations and refinery closures.
• Extended down periods for refineries or rigs would have a bullish impact on the market.

Key Fuel Takeaways

• Crude oil prices settled at 48.51/b - 31 cents less than the week before
• Domestic crude oil production is the highest in two years (July 2015)
• Crude Inventories are the lowest since January 2016
• Gasoline demand hit a 2-month low - declining 2.9% from the week before
• Gasoline production rose by 1.24% from the week before

Gas Price Tools for Reporters/Consumers

• GasPrices.AAA.com - Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages.
• AAA Mobile app - Free app that shows current prices at a gas station near you.

Highs and Lows of 2017*

• The highest national average price for gasoline, so far this year was $2.42 on April 21; the lowest was $2.23 on July 5.
• The highest average price in Florida, so far this year, was $2.47 on April 21; the lowest was $2.13 on July 17.
• The highest average price in Georgia, so far this year, was $2.29 on April 14; the lowest was $2.08 on July 5.
• The highest average price in Tennessee, so far this year, was $2.18 on April 20; the lowest was $1.99 on July 5.

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline