The 4th fuels travel plans

However, an increase of several cents at Utah's pumps by Friday wouldn't surprise him.

In the West, the gasoline bargains appear to be in Wyoming (Rock Springs, $1.37; Cheyenne, $1.38); and Denver ($1.45). Places to avoid a fill-up include San Francisco ($1.97) and Reno ($1.85).

Barring any unforeseen cutbacks by oil producers, analysts say gas prices could hold steady through the summer. However, they are unlikely to go down much until after Labor Day.

"This is the peak driving season, so that's probably just a reflection of the demand," Fairclough said.

Allred said the resumption of oil production in Iraq and steady yields from Nigeria and Venezuela could help push prices lower by the end of the summer.

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