California gas prices are down 17 cents since they spiked up more than 50 cents early this month says Gas Buddy.A few Fresno stations are selling regular for $3.99 this week ( the lowest in the state) while the state average is $4.50. says the online service.
In California and across the U.S. refinery problems and tight supplies in some locations caused gasoline prices to surge earlier this month to the highest prices since the spring. “But the switch to a less expensive winter grade of gasoline, weak refinery demand and increase of supplies in certain areas caused gasoline prices to start coming down. An unexpected increase in U.S. gasoline supplies in the past week could cause pump prices to fall even further “says an AP report.Gas demand is down from a year ago and supplies rose last week says the US Energy Information Service.
In California the state energy commission reports margins for sale of gasoline by week. In two weeks the refining margin of the cost to make gasoline rose from 57 cents to $1.22 as of October 8, even as the price the refiner paid for crude fell.
Cheaper avocados, good for those Holiday parties are here with more coming although the trend may hurt California growers prices.That’s because this fall’s Mexican avocado crop is double what it was last year. California production is winding down until next spring.
Despite the conventional wisdom that suggests lower prices are good for the economy , the rebound in the housing market this fall is lifting lumber prices – good if your are selling lumber or if you just want to see the economy thrive. Rising home values and more sales added to predictions of a strong upcoming remodeling season by Harvard University this week suggests the home improvement market(as well as appliance and furniture sales) should fare well in coming months. After being in the $200 range for almost two years – lumber futures now stand at $320 – rising from $280 in October. Higher lumber prices will stimulate more production and investment, good for jobs.