Page One

Gasoline prices during the past two weeks fell more than 51/2 cents on average, according to an industry survey released Sunday. 

The average price of all grades of gasoline was $1.54 on Dec. 15, according to the Lundberg Survey of about 10,000 service stations nationwide. 

Lower crude oil prices and a large supply of refined gasoline have contributed to the lower prices, said industry analyst Trilby Lundberg.  

The trend likely will continue over the next few weeks since the winter season typically leads to less demand for gasoline, Lundberg said. 

She also debunked the notion that service station operators raise their prices during the holidays. 

“We’re seeing a price fall of more than a nickel right before the winter holidays,” she said.  

“They competitively must avoid a price rise and cut prices, if possible, to chase sales during this low demand season.” 

The national weighted average price of unleaded gasoline, including taxes, at self-serve pumps Friday was $1.46 a gallon for regular, $1.56 a gallon for midgrade and $1.65 a gallon for premium.  

At full service pumps, the average price was $1.85 for regular, $1.94 for midgrade and $2.02 for premium.