After two months of rising, gas prices falling again

Gas prices tile

After two months of rising gas prices, fuel costs are trending down again.

Average retail gasoline prices in Chattanooga fell 4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.10 per gallon, according to the GasBuddy's daily survey of 170 gas outlets in Chattanooga released Monday. Chattanooga gas prices remained 33 cents per gallon below the U.S. average of $2.43 per gallon of regular gas, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Chattanooga gas prices averaged $1.14 per gallon less than on the same day one year ago.

"After March came in like a lion at the pump, things are beginning to cool down, especially in hardest hit areas in the West," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. "Prices in some areas may drift higher with improved gasoline blends showing up as well, but its important to note that even with increases factored in, motorists are still seeing considerable savings versus gas prices last year."

Crude oil prices closed last week nearing their January lows on news of plentiful crude oil inventories, which may begin to cut gasoline prices once refineries conclude maintenance and throttle up utilization rates.

"In the end, it could mean even lower gasoline prices for motorists during the summer than GasBuddy previously expected, barring other refinery issues or unpredictable issues," DeHaan said.