Lower heating costs predicted
WASHINGTON — The dramatic drop in world oil prices means a break this winter in heating costs, although households will still be paying more than they did last winter, the government says.
Gasoline prices, which have declined by nearly 50 percent since July, are expected to remain relatively low, averaging $2.37 a gallon through 2009, according to the Energy Department.
The department’s Energy Information Administration revised its short-term energy outlook Wednesday to reflect the reduction by more than half of crude oil prices over five months. The revision also reflects expectations of a more severe economic downturn.
