Oil prices fall close to pre-war levels, but gas still up by about $1 nationally

Oil prices are dropping close to their pre-war levels due to increased shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a return to some normalcy in global oil supply chains. Despite this, gas prices remain elevated nationally, suggesting other factors like refining costs or market speculation are driving higher consumer prices. This divergence highlights the complexities of the energy market and underscores why consumers might not immediately benefit from lower crude oil costs. It's a reminder of how global political stability and supply chain disruptions can significantly impact everyday expenses.