NATIONALLY – There has been much speculation lately as to the time when crude supply and demand will balance back. It was suspected earlier in the year, that Q1-Q2 would be the season to see prices jump. However the EIA predicts that it may be as late as 2017 until we find equilibrium. The spurts of volatility are a result of comments or suggestions of production cuts and freezes, but it doesn’t make sense for any country to actually implement them. They just ride the bump in prices and sell more crude.

LOCALLY – We can expect a few market hiccups early Q2 as there will be refinery maintenance in Lima and Toledo. Expect branded supply to tighten and unbranded supply outages. Thankfully customers who contracted gallons in Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus are guaranteed gallons which should help them weather any short term price volatility. Customers who are sensitive to pricing may want to lock in gallons for April/May as there may be occasional supply recoils.