Can't Win or Lose with Lower Gas Prices on CBS

     Gasoline prices have fallen again and you might figure this would be greeted with accolades – but that’s seldom the case on the CBS “Evening News.”

 

     “News that gasoline prices are falling usually comes with a warning – don’t get used to it,” said CBS “Evening News” anchor Katie Couric on July 30. “So consider yourself warned as we tell you gas has fallen 17 cents the past two weeks to a nationwide average tonight of $2.88 a gallon. That is the lowest price in three months.”

 

     That’s right, Katie. When it comes to gasoline prices and the CBS “Evening News,” they’re either high or probably going to get higher.

 

     According to the July 31 USA Today, gasoline prices have fallen due to refineries coming back online and they are expected to go lower – despite Couric’s grim warning. “Now, with those same refineries coming back into full swing, supplies are anticipated to be healthy, leading to lower prices at the pump,” wrote Barbara Hagenbaugh for USA Today.

 

     According to the Energy Information Administration, gasoline prices are down 8.2 cents from a week ago and 12.8 cents from a year ago. CBS “Evening News” completely ignored the initial drop in gasoline prices last week.

 

     “The main issue has been refineries,” Hagenbaugh wrote. “Earlier this year, there were an unusually large number of refineries that were shutting down lines for maintenance, planned or unplanned. That led to increased concern that there would not be enough gasoline this summer.”

 

     More refining capacity has led to an increase in supply. “Pump prices are the lowest since mid-April, following an increase in gasoline supplies after more oil refineries came back online from maintenance and boosted production,” said a report in the July 31 Los Angeles Times.