Comment on the September 13 prediction: Seems that as soon as I hit the “post” button, a hike to $4.59 started on Sunday night. So, the prediction was CORRECT. But …
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 9 AM: A second hike to $4.99 kicked in yesterday, after the Joliet, Illinois refinery shut down. We are dealing with an ugly combination of $100+ oil and refinery issues, and wholesale prices have been moving dramatically. $4.99 matches the high from May, although there was an aborted attempt to hike to $5.29 that month.
We’d all like to see $5 remain the ceiling and for prices to head lower. How can that happen? First, the refinery issues need to clear up. Second, seasonality is in our favor, as normally prices slide from August to December. Third is the remote chance that there is some good news, price-wise, from the Middle East. This is not a prediction, just wishful thinking.
My timing isn’t the best for these dramatic times, but due to some personal travel plans, my next post won’t be until early next month. See you then, Gas Gamers! -EA
I’ll be thinking/hoping for prices to stay “Five Below”. And dreaming of gas that used to be “Dollar General”.
Stay safe on your travels!