Retail gasoline prices fell to $4.12 a gallon on Monday. U.S. oil prices dropped below $100 a barrel the same day.
The decline marks a notable shift after weeks of rising fuel costs. Oil markets have pulled back amid concerns about global demand.
Gas prices typically follow crude oil trends with a lag of several weeks. Drivers may not see immediate relief at the pump despite the drop.
Refinery capacity and seasonal fuel blends also influence retail prices. These factors can slow or accelerate how quickly oil declines reach consumers.
Analysts caution that volatility remains high in energy markets. A sustained drop in crude would be needed to push gas prices meaningfully lower.
Regional differences will shape how quickly prices fall across the country. Areas with tighter supply may see slower declines than others.
The national average could continue to ease if oil holds below recent highs. Much depends on demand patterns and global supply decisions in the coming weeks.
