Little relief seen at pumps for summer drivers

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Faced with high-flying prices at the pump, American motorists won’t get much relief this summer vacation season despite the president’s plan announced two months ago to lower fuel costs, according to energy experts.

Gasoline prices are averaging just below $2.90 per gallon, and well over $3 in several U.S. cities, according to government and industry surveys.

That is close to the record average of $3.06 hit after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast last year and disrupted drilling and refining operations.

“In the short term, there isn’t anything that is currently underway that is going to bring prices down,” said Geoff Sundstrom, spokesman for the travel group AAA. “We didn’t get into this problem overnight, and we’re not going to get out of it overnight. It’s going to take long-term thoughtful action.”

Reuters