GasPrices

Oil Hovers Around 8-Month Lows Near $80

Oil prices hovered around 8-month lows near $80 a barrel Thursday after the U.S. central bank balked at implementing vigorous stimulus measures to boost waning economic growth and U.S. crude stockpiles rose unexpectedly.

40 Miles Per Gallon Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be

Fuel efficiency is on the mind of a lot of car shoppers these days, and automakers have responded with more vehicles that get 40 miles per gallon -- or better. But that great mileage may not be a great deal for your wallet.

Farmers Hit the Jackpot in Kansas Oil Boom

Farmers in Kansas are hitting the jackpot. But instead of holding the winning lottery numbers, it's all about owning the right piece of land -- land with oil beneath it.

U.S. Gasoline Prices Are Now Cheaper Than a Year Ago

After dropping for most of the month, gas prices are now lower in much of the U.S. than they were a year ago. That hasn't happened in more than two years, and it could be part of a larger decline in gasoline prices that could lift consumer confidence ahead of the summer driving season.

Obama Seeks to Confront Oil Market Manipulation

Under pressure to take action on rising gasoline prices, President Barack Obama wants Congress to strengthen federal supervision of oil markets, increase penalties for market manipulation and empower regulators to increase the amount of money energy traders are required to put behind their transactions.

Gas Stations Are Hosing Debit Card Users at the Pump

Feel like you're getting gouged at the gas pump amid rising prices? You actually are if you're using a debit card. Despite last year's banking reforms, gas stations have yet to pass along more than $1 billion in debit card transaction fee savings to consumers.

US Inflation Mild as Gas Prices Rise More Slowly

Gas prices rose more slowly in March, keeping overall U.S. inflation mild. The consumer price index rose 0.3 percent in March, the Labor Department said Friday. That's slower than February's 0.4 percent rise.

US Retail Sales Rose 1.1% in February

Americans stepped up spending on retail goods in February, evidence that a stronger job market is boosting the economy. Consumers bought more autos, clothes and appliances. They also paid higher prices for gas. Retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the biggest gain since September.

What Today's Booming Auto Sales Mean for Car Shoppers

U.S. car sales just hit their highest level in four years, and that's good news for economy watchers. Falling unemployment, more cooperative lenders, and rising consumer confidence all contributed to the boom. So if you're looking to buy, what does this all mean for you?

Gasoline Prices Rise for 24th Day

Gasoline prices climbed Friday for the 24th straight day as service stations pass along the rising cost of oil. The national average for gasoline hit $3.741 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. That's an increase of 46.5 cents per gallon since the start of 2012. Gasoline has never been so high this time of year, and analysts say it could reach a record of $4.25 per gallon by late April.

Better Inflation Gauge Shows Why Inflation's Much Worse

One of the biggest threats to your financial health is inflation, which destroys the value of your money. Now, according to the Consumer Price Index, inflation is fairly tame. But if that doesn't reflect your economic reality, the people who created the Everyday Price Index think they know why.

5 Offbeat Ideas for Saving on Gas From Our Readers

Gas prices are going up again, and it feels a lot like Groundhog Day: Same old problem, and media outlets are dispensing the same old advice. Not us! Here are the most interesting and innovative ideas our readers offered for reducing your pain at the pump.

Consumer Prices Up as Gas, Clothing Costs Rise

Consumer prices rose modestly in January on higher costs for food, gas, rent and clothing. But economists downplayed the increase, saying inflation will likely ease in the coming months as prices for raw materials level off. The consumer price index increased 0.2 percent last month, after a flat reading in December, the Labor Department said Friday.