At the moment of this writing, the wholesale price of crude oil continues to drop. This is finally allowing for some noticeable relief at the gasoline pumps. Although, the price is still significantly higher than it was a year ago, and consumers are still feeling the effects via higher prices in other goods and services.
This is not a time to be complacent however.
The only way that energy prices will continue this downward trend - or even maintain their current prices - is by continued fuel conservation and greater pushes toward alternative fuels.
If you learned to drive less when gasoline was over $4 per gallon, you should continue that trend even as the prices drops closer to $3 per gallon.
When it’s time to replace your vehicle, it will be in your best interest to purchase the most fuel efficient model that fits your needs. Or, preferably, a hybrid.
All indicators are that fuel prices will return to their upward trend at some point in the future - probably sooner rather than later. Don’t get caught unprepared.