Crude oil prices fell modestly Friday as a downturn in the stock market and worries about the U.S. economy prompted some profit-taking, according to AP. But with the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates again next week, analysts expect the dollar to weaken further, propelling crude to new records. Meanwhile, the rally in energy prices has gained momentum, with retail gasoline prices rising further into record territory and diesel and heating oil futures setting records of their own amid concerns about strong global demand and tight supplies. At the pump, gas prices set records for the 4th straight day, rising 1.3 cents Friday to a national average price of $3.28 a gallon (3.8 liters), according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. Average prices are nearing $4 a gallon in some parts of Hawaii. Diesel, meanwhile, rose 2.9 cents to a new record national average of $3.938 a gallon. Heating oil, a fellow distillate and close cousin of diesel, jumped to new records on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Diesel, used by trucks, trains and ships, is used to move the vast majority of the world's goods. While the U.S. economy appears to be slowing, the global economy continues to grow. «Demand for diesel worldwide has been incredible,» said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Alaron Trading Corp., in Chicago. April heating oil futures rose 6.43 cents to $3.1891 a gallon after earlier setting a new trading record of $3.222 a gallon.
