A petroleum analyst says Southern Tier drivers may enjoy falling gas prices for a little longer.

But Jeffrey Pelton, who tracks prices for the consumer website gasbuddy.com, says the "good times may be over" by the end of this month.

Pelton notes the Binghamton area was "late to the party" in experiencing gasoline prices below two dollars a gallon.

While the website shows Broome County's current lowest posted price is $1.79, average prices in several other states are significantly lower.

Pelton says local pump prices may drop a few more cents over the next couple of weeks.

After that, gas prices may be stable for a short time. Pelton says then drives should expect to see rising prices as maintenance is undertaken at refineries in preparation for making summer gasoline blends.

Pelton predicts prices will rise by about five cents a week during March and April. He says area gas prices could increase by 20 to 30 cents a gallon.

After refineries start turning out summer gasoline blends, prices may stabilize or even start falling again.

Pelton says amount of crude oil on the global market is "so massive" that there could be another period of gas price reductions.

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