( BW)(EXPERTSOURCE) ADVISORY/Experts Available to Discuss Rising Gas Prices

www.businesswire.com BW5819 FEB 24,2003 15:26 PACIFIC 18:26 EASTERN Business Editors     --(BUSINESS WIRE)--

    TOPIC: According to the Lundberg Survey, the average price of a gallon of gasoline has increased 7 cents in the past two weeks, as reported by CNN.com. The survey found that Americans are currently paying an average of $1.66 per gallon of self-serve regular, while two weeks ago they were paying $1.59. Experts believe that concerns over a war with Iraq and the oil industry strike in Venezuela have contributed to higher gas prices. Experts also cite domestic factors such as the extreme cold weather, especially in the Northeast, has increased the demand of heating oil, which is made from crude oil.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story: Jim Gagne is the chief communications officer for Wayne, PA-based Planalytics, which helps companies make more effective and profitable decisions by forecasting weather-driven changes in supply, demand and prices for products and services. Companies in all industries use Planalytics' technologies to avoid squandered opportunities and poor financial results caused by the unanticipated impact of weather volatility. Planalytics provides additional vital future intelligence into supply chain planning, quantifying how, where, and when weather will affect supply and demand for specific products and services. Planalytics experts can comment on consumer motivation and behavior, forecasting consumer demand, retail sales trends, holiday sales, and the effect of weather on sales and the economy, natural gas demand and prices, and electric power demand. 610-407-2956, jg_gagne@yahoo.com

    Dr. Dennis Jay O'Brien, of the Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, can discuss oil and gas market analysis and energy economics. 405-325-3821, 405-325-0311 (University PR Phone)

    Professor Arlon R Tussing, of the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research, is an expert on subjects such as economics, gas and electrical industries of North America. 206-275-0665 or 907-786-7710

    ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

    ExpertSource provides academic and industry experts to the media at no charge. Journalists are encouraged to submit queries to ExpertSource when seeking experts on specific subjects. An online registration form is available at www.businesswire.com.

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INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENERGY OIL/GAS ADVISORY
SOURCE: ExpertSource