Isaac brought winter-grade gas to Louisiana early

If there was going to be a drop in gasoline prices in coming weeks, as suppliers shift from summer blends to winter blends, Hurricane Isaac may have expedited the process. The onset of fall typically coincides with a small reduction in gas prices around the country as suppliers begin delivering winter-grade gas between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1. But Isaac caused the issuance of waivers in the state for early deliveries of winter-grade fuel after gas stations ran dry and refineries shut down for days after the storm landed Aug. 29, says the state Department of Environmental Quality. If service stations haven’t already received winter-grade gas, then “they will be getting the winter blend when they get their next shipment,” says DEQ spokesman Rodney Mallett. John Felmy, a chief economist with the American Petroleum Institute, says winter-grade gasoline is typically cheaper because it requires fewer additives to prevent evaporation and increased air pollution. However, Felmy adds that antitrust laws forbid forecasts of gasoline prices, so he can’t speculate on how low the Baton Rouge area might see gas prices drop this fall. But Isaac—and its spike in demand—may have already rendered its bottoming out. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular gas is selling for $3.67 today, down from $3.69 a week ago but up from $3.51 both a month and year ago. —Adam Pearson