The worst of rising gas prices should be over

Gas prices have seen some wild fluctuations, but the worst of it may be over. Barring any late season disturbances in the Gulf of Mexico, analysts are hopeful that gas prices will remain low for the remainder of the year.

Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy, says Louisiana residents should roll into the holidays with a little extra change in their pockets. While predicting any moves from mother nature is tricky business, DeHaan says that barring any gulf disturbance, "this fall, we should see prices sticking below the $3 per gallon mark across much of Louisiana."

While there's certainly no way to look into a crystal ball to predict tropical storms or potential unrest in the Middle East, DeHaan says that barring any major event, prices should remain solidly under $3 per gallon for much of the state.

While DeHaan notes that there are several areas the National Weather Center is keeping a close eye on, if Louisiana can avoid any named storms within the next few weeks, that should bode very well for prices.

Another factor that could help consumers at the pump is cheaper winter grade gasoline starts rolling out as early as the 16th of September. Demand for gas typically drops in Autumn as schools reopen and Americans drive and vacation less.

This confluence should help to cool prices at your local gas station.