Gas Prices Rise Nationwide, West Coast Sees Sharp Increases
Gasoline prices have been rising for the second consecutive week, with the national average reaching $3.14, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). While prices are down by 12 cents from last year, sharp increases on the West Coast, driven by refinery maintenance and outages, have impacted neighboring states. The West Coast saw the largest price hike, up 15 cents, while the East Coast experienced a slight decrease. Although most regions have seen relatively stable prices, refinery maintenance and the transition to summer gasoline blends may cause price increases in the coming weeks. The cheapest states for gas are Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, with 20 states now averaging $2.99 or less per gallon, down from 27 at the start of the year.
Subaru Forester MY25 Production Update: Order Now for Base and Premium Models
Subaru has issued a critical update regarding the production of the 2025 (MY25) Forester models, including the Hybrid versions. Due to unforeseen increases in retail demand, the automaker is notifying dealers and customers that the Base and Premium trims are subject to potential closure with little or no notice. As a result, Subaru recommends that pending orders for these models be submitted as soon as possible to ensure timely processing. In contrast, the higher trims – Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring – are expected to remain available for a longer period, providing some flexibility for customers interested in those configurations.
January Used Vehicle Sales Rise, But Inventory and Affordability Remain Challenges
Retail used vehicle sales increased in January, rising both month-over-month and 8% year-over-year, with 1.41 million units sold. Used vehicle inventory levels grew slightly from January to early February but remained 3% lower than a year ago. The days' supply of used vehicles tightened to 48 days, reflecting continued constraints, particularly in lower-priced segments.