Oil has dropped more than 16 percent so far in May, erasing all of its gains for the year. That's helped lower gas prices and provided a little financial relief to cautious consumers.
Prices are falling on expectations that the world won't use as much oil this year as previously thought. Europe's financial crisis is the most immediate concern, but there have been plenty of signs of weaker demand. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $2.94, or 3.2 percent, on Wednesday to finish at $87.82. It's now down 11 percent from Jan. 1.
Oil rose near $110 per barrel in February because of the potential for conflict between Iran and the West. Those tensions have eased somewhat, and the market's focus has turned to weak spots in the global economy.
The month started with so-so U.S. jobs numbers. Other U.S. economic data have been mixed and gasoline consumption has dropped for 62 straight weeks. Meanwhile, China's manufacturing sector is slowing down. The U.S. and China are the biggest oil consumers in the world.
Earlier this year, energy economists mostly agreed that world oil demand would hit a new record in 2012, probably around 89 million barrels per day. But with demand not growing in China and declining in the U.S., those expectations are starting to change.
"I wouldn't be surprised if demand was lower this year," said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research.
That could be the case in Europe. Experts worry the 17 nations that use the euro will fall into recession. Europe consumes about 16 percent of the world's oil.
Fears about Europe's financial stability sent ripples through world markets Wednesday. Major stock indexes slipped 1 percent to 2 percent. The European Commission fanned those concerns by reporting that economic confidence has plummeted this month to the lowest level in two and a half years.
The euro fell near a two-year low against the dollar, helping to push oil prices even lower. Oil, which is priced in dollars, tends to fall as the dollar rises and makes crude barrels more expensive for investors holding foreign money. Brent crude, which is used to price oil varieties that are imported into the U.S., fell by $3.21 to end at $103.47 per barrel in London.
Traders have seen this show before. This is the third consecutive May where oil has plunged, in part because of similar concerns about European debts. Oil fell 9.9 percent in May of last year and 14.1 percent in May 2010. Jim Ritterbusch, an independent oil trader and analyst, said it's a coincidence that the month has become known for tumbling oil prices.
A number of one-time factors moved oil prices over the past few years, he said, including last year's Libyan rebellion, the 2011 release of emergency oil supplies by the U.S. and other industrialized countries, fighting in Nigeria and fears over Iran's nuclear program. In the past two years, oil recovered from its swoon in May and ended the year higher than it started.
"Who knows, maybe that will happen again this year," Ritterbusch said.
Drivers hope not. A gallon of regular unleaded has dropped by 31 cents since peaking in the first week of April. U.S. retail gasoline prices fell by a penny Wednesday to $3.626 per gallon, according to auto club AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. Experts see gas falling to at least $3.50 by July 4.
Drivers aren't rushing to use more of the cheaper gasoline, however. MasterCard SpendingPulse said that motorists bought less gasoline last week, even though it cost about 13 cents per gallon less than in the same week last year. People are driving fewer miles and getting around in more fuel-efficient cars. And gas is still 90 cents more expensive than at this time in 2010.
Other futures prices also declined Wednesday. Natural gas fell by 6.7 cents, or 2.7 percent, to end at $2.418 per 1,000 cubic feet. Natural gas has dropped by 32 cents in the past four trading days. Analysts said prices are falling after investors cashed in on futures contracts that jumped 44 percent since April 19.
Heating oil lost 6.9 cents to end at $2.7398 per gallon while wholesale gasoline lost 4.83 cents to finish at $2.8582 per gallon.
