Gas prices likely to remain unchanged | News

Tampa, FL -- AAA Club South reports oil prices made minimal gains last week after reports from the U.S. Labor Department showed September's payrolls increased by 103,000 workers, with an initial growth forecast of 60,000.

U.S. oil supplies decreased more than projected last week falling by approximately 4 million barrels. The positive news resulted in crude oil settling Friday at $82.98 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange--$3.78 more than the week prior. 

While economic woes in Europe continue, measures are being made to stimulate growth by making it easier for banks to supply loans. Last week is the first time in a month that positive economic news was released and caused oil prices to increase.

"Retail gas prices fell for the past month as the price of oil continued to drop. Although oil prices increased last week, consumers will not likely see pump prices rise, but instead remain relatively unchanged from last week's averages," said Jessica Brady, spokesperson, AAA. "The positive economic news released last week will likely serve as a band aid to temporarily ease investor concerns about the economy."

Average retail gasoline prices in Tampa fell 3.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.25/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that fell 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.42/g, according to gasoline price website TampaGasPrices.com.