gas prices

Why Cheap Gas Might Not Be Good For The U.S. Economy

1:34am January 29, 2016

by Chris Arnold

A drop in global oil prices saved U.S. drivers $100 billion last year. Good news, right? Not so, say some economists. The energy industry is now so big that cheap oil may actually hurt the economy.

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A customer fills up at a gas station in Chillicothe, Ill., in December. Low prices have meant big savings for consumers, but urban planners worry that cheap gas will encourage sprawl.

$1.22 A Gallon: Cheap Gas Raises Fears Of Urban Sprawl

6:20am January 23, 2016

by Mandie Trimble

Gas prices in Columbus, Ohio, are among the lowest in the country. Drivers appreciate the savings, but anti-sprawl advocates say cheap gas doesn't help their cause.

A woman fills her car with gas in Woodbridge, Va., on Tuesday. Supplies of crude oil and refined gasoline have driven prices at the pump down, and they're expected to go even lower.

If You Like Cheap Gasoline, January May Be Your Lucky Month

6:21pm January 06, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Prices already are averaging less than $2 a gallon nationwide, and a new report shows gasoline inventories are surging. Experts say that sets the stage for more price drops in coming days.

Prices, as seen at a gas station in Woodbridge, Va., on Tuesday, are 21 cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year. The drop violates the historic rule that tension such as that currently between key producers Saudi Arabia and Iran causes the cost of

Troubles Are Up In The Middle East, But Oil Prices Are Down. Huh?

7:27pm January 05, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

In the past, when political tensions increased, oil prices went up too amid supply risks. But now OPEC's power is down and U.S. oil supplies are much greater, helping hold prices steady.

Low Gas Prices Expected To Continue In 2016

5:43pm December 23, 2015

by Jeff Brady

U.S. drivers are becoming accustomed to lower prices at the pump, and sales of bigger cars are rising. But if people start driving more because they can afford it, will it hurt environmental efforts?

Students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology are learning a technique called "tripping pipe," moving a pipe from a stack into a horizontal position and lowering it down into a well. The students train on a practice drilling rig to learn how to be r

In Pennsylvania, Employment Booms Amid Oil And Natural Gas Bust

1:44pm April 13, 2015

by Jeff Brady

While lower oil and natural gas prices are great for the wallet, they've led to layoffs. NPR visits Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region, which is still seeing growth in high-paying natural gas jobs.

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Cushing, Okla., is a major oil storage site. Amid record oil production, some analysts worry the U.S. will run out of places to put it all.

With So Much Oil Flowing, U.S. May Be Reaching Storage Limits

2:15pm April 02, 2015

by Chris Arnold

Amid record production, some analysts worry the U.S. will run out of places to put it all. One says lack of storage space could drive oil down to about $20 a barrel, less than half the current price.

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Higher Wages, Lower Prices Give Consumers A Break

1:54pm March 02, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Something very unusual is happening in the U.S. economy. Traditionally, workers lose buying power to rising prices. But lately, paychecks and prices have been heading in opposite directions.

Failing Bridges Taking A Toll; Some States Move To Raise Gas Tax

8:53pm February 10, 2015

by Joel Rose

With gas prices down, a growing number of states are turning to a gas tax increase. New Jersey looks at following suit to fund much-needed projects, but some drivers aren't eager to pay up.

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Al Mak is the manager of Pronto Food Mart in Austin, Texas. Independent gas stations like Pronto are often the first to offer cheaper gas when the price of crude oil drops.

Looking For Even Cheaper Gas? Go Generic At An Indie Station

2:44pm February 10, 2015

by Mose Buchele

The prices that gas stations charge for fuel can vary widely. Smaller, independent stations are able to sell the cheapest gas because they undercut competitors by buying unbranded gasoline.

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