PORTLAND, Maine - Gas prices in Maine are down nearly four cents a gallon over the past week.
Patrick DeHahn, an analyst with online price tracker Gas Buddy, says several factors are at work, including lower demand in the U.S.
"As we approach the summer driving season, there's an anticipation that demand goes up," DeHahn says, "and, so far at least this year, demand has been off of last year's high. According to the Energy Information Administration, year-to-date consumption is down by about 3.5 percent."
In addition, DeHahn says U.S. production has increased, offsetting OPEC's attempt to cut back production to drive up prices. Also, DeHahn says there have been few refinery problems this spring to interrupt the production of gasoline.
Gas Buddy also reports that pump prices in New Hampshire are down about two cents a gallon in the last week.
