The price of crude oil continued its decline last week after the U.S. Labor Department reported an increase in unemployment claims. Investor’s optimism about the possibility of demand bouncing back has dwindled after reports show U.S. stockpiles of crude continue to rise as gasoline consumption decreases. Crude oil closed Friday at $73.45 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

On a positive note, the value of the U.S. dollar continues to increase and curb the appeal of crude oil as a commodity, helping to keep crude prices down.

Current and past price averages for regular unleaded gasoline:

National:

Current: $2.713 Week ago: $2.755 Month ago: $2.718 Year ago: $2.626

Florida:

Current: $2.666 – Week ago: $2.709 Month ago: $2.652 Year ago: $2.607

Source: AAA Auto Club South