Conventional wisdom says that gasoline prices in the US drop after Labor Day (start of Sept). Is that true? Well, I went to the U.S. Retail Gasoline Historical Prices page, put out by the US Dept. Of Energy, to check.

It turns out that, for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, gas prices went up from August to October, for the Central Atlantic region (where I am). It wasn't always a big increase, but it was definitely not a decrease. This year, though, prices have dropped by 60 to 70 cents per gallon in the same August through October timeframe. Odd? Not really. It makes sense if you take a look at what the government has been doing with the strategic oil reserves this year. And, cheap gas is better than expensive gas. So, yay for that. But, on the other hand... don't be too surprised at the low prices...