DOE Slashes Fuel-Price Outlook for 2009

Diesel Forecast Lowered by More than $1, to $2.73
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The Energy Department sharply cut its price forecasts for crude oil, diesel and gasoline for next year, citing lower world demand in a sluggish global economy.

On-highway diesel fuel will average $2.73 in 2009, down $1.08 from this year’s 2008 average, DOE said in its monthly short-term energy outlook released Wednesday.

Gasoline will average $2.37 per gallon in 2009 — almost $1.20 below what DOE projected in the previous outlook.



Crude oil will average $101.45 a barrel this year, down 9% from its previous $111.57 forecast, DOE said.

For 2009, the department lowered its forecast by 43%, to $63.50, from its $112 per-barrel forecast last month.