According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which provides official energy statistics from the U.S. government, gasoline consumption over the summer driving season is expected to increase just one percent.

The nearly 45 percent of survey respondents who said they expect gas prices to remain consistent with current levels were right on the money. The EIA predicts that regular-grade gasoline retail prices, which averaged $3.81 per gallon last summer, are projected to average $2.23 per gallon during the current driving season. The monthly average gasoline price is expected to peak at about $2.30 per gallon late this summer. The current national gas price average, according to AAA, is $2.05.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

In today’s edition of aftermarketNews, J.D. Power & Associates reports that the new vehicle sales market is showing signs of stabilization. Is this good or bad news for the aftermarket?

To cast your vote, go to aftermarketNews.com and scroll to the “Poll” section at the bottom of the page.