I didn't mean to argue this point at all. There is no doubt that after the summer driving season that gas prices fall each year. They don't fall by 50%, though. Igor's post is spot on. A very small drop in demand in oil has a powerful effect on the market. It is important to remember that the US economy is not alone in its struggles. The world economy is sluggish. There were predictions over the summer that China's Olympic preparations were driving demand as well, so as Invader pointed out, that might also have a great effect on the current slide. Gas prices certainly slide each fall, but this isn't a part of the typical cycle right now. The market is adjusting and correcting itself in several ways.