Because of the weakness of the U.S. dollar, energy markets and crude oil are attracting investors and that has pushed crude oil to close Friday at $71.77 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

Nationwide, the 1-cent per gallon increase this past week is the first increase since the week ending Aug. 5. posted a 5-cent increase over the week prior. At this same time, consumer demand remains tepid at best even with signs that the economy may be improving. for now, with oil trading in a narrow range and gasoline prices at $2,50 or lower, it’s an equilibrium that has both consumers and producers content.

Current and past price averages:

National: Current $2.479 – Week ago $2.461 – Month ago $2.580 – Year ago $3.291

Florida: Current $2.431 – Week ago $2.402 – Month ago $2.524 – Year ago $3.391

Source: AAA Auto Club South