WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. gas prices dropped 22 cents in the past two weeks as the hurricane season is slow, peak driving season has passed and the Iran confrontation is paused.
The Lundberg Survey's two-week roundup of U.S. gas prices shows the 22 cents a gallon drop brings the average national price for self-serve, regular gas to$2.65 on Sept. 8, down from $2.87 two weeks ago.
The most expensive gas in the country was $3.17 in Honolulu; Des Moines, Iowa, posted the least expensive at $2.32 a gallon.
Unlike last year, when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tore up U.S. oil production and refining capacity, hurricanes have been somewhat meek and less destructive this year.
Summer vacation season has now ended and eases demand for U.S. gas stocks.
Geopolitical tension has also been at the root of high oil prices. While Iraq still stands on the brink of civil war, as does Sudan, the U.S. standoff with Iran over its nuclear program has somewhat tempered.
Various news reports say Iran will temporarily halt uranium enrichment -- the key driver of the spat -- while it negotiates with the European Union under threat of U.N. Security Council sanctions.
U.S. gas prices may not continue the surge downward, however, as geopolitics are unpredictable and the winter demand for oil and new guidelines for ultra-low sulfur diesel gas may bring demand back up.
