Business

Why gas prices are dropping ahead of the holidays on December 11, 2023 at 9:37 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

2 years ago

December 11, 2023

Gas prices dipped significantly over the weekend, bringing relief for drivers ahead of the holiday.

As of Monday, the national average stands at $3.15 per gallon, according to AAA. That’s 5 cents less than last week, which was itself 20 cents down from a month ago.

One of the driving forces in the decline is the aftermath of the Nov. 30 meeting of the OPEC+ oil cartel, said Andy Lipow, president of consulting firm Lipow Oil Associates.

A subsequent decline in crude oil prices “showed that OPEC+ is struggling to balance oil supply and demand in light of the surprising increase in supply from the U.S., Brazil and Guyana, as well as disappointing demand from China,” Lipow said.

Those declines have meant “good news for the consumer” at the pump, Lipow said, and prices may drop a few cents more over the week.

China, meanwhile, was expected to see a surge in demand that accompanied the lifting of COVID-related restrictions, but despite an early spike, Chinese refiners have recently cut back on their processing rates, Lipow said. A Bloomberg survey of industry analysts and consultants projects Chinese oil demand will decline to about 500,000 barrels per day next year, about a third of the demand recorded over the past year.

After years of growth, the Chinese economy has seen a recent cooling, said Samantha Gross, director of the Brookings Institution’s Energy Security and Climate Initiative, particularly amid concerns of instability and possible outright collapse in the country’s real estate market.

“You’re seeing the Saudis, in particular, try to prop up prices, and it’s not working,” she said.

Domestically, the gas price decline is part of a cycle that has been typical in past years but recently had been absent in the winter months, said Devin Gladden, an AAA spokesperson.

“During the fall and winter, we see days become a lot shorter, inclement weather increasing, drivers spending less time on the road,” a trend that typically drives oil demand down through the end of the year, he said. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen some anti-cyclical events happen during the winter, such as a spike in oil prices, [but] this year prices are following some of the typical trends.”

According to the typical cycle, he added, the prices at the pump will likely stay low until the weather begins to warm and outdoor activity picks back up.

The result is “a nice tailwind for consumers for probably the next 45 days,” said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at the Oil Price Information Service. By the weekend, he said, prices at the pump will likely dip below the $3.09 low seen in 2022. In the next 60 days, he added, consumers may see “some of the lowest levels since 2021.”

However, Lipow said, some unresolved geopolitical headwinds are continuing to cause concern within the market. These include attacks by Houthi militants on shipping traffic in the Red Sea, as well as tensions between Venezuela and Guyana that could lead to the reimposition of sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.

The ongoing bombardment of Gaza and concerns about the expansion of the conflict to other parts of the Middle East are also factors to keep an eye on, Gladden said.

“There was some concern that the ongoing war in the Middle East could have left oil supply tightened … thankfully we have not seen that, and I think in the coming months it’ll be an ongoing story, but the market is less concerned now because there is at least some containment” of the conflict, he said.

“Ironically, the Middle East violence broke out during a seasonal period where crude oil prices tend to get hammered,” said Kloza. “These are shoulder months, people aren’t driving as much, it’s too early in the Northern Hemisphere to generate too much demand for winter fuel … people aren’t going to chase crude higher just because there’s violence in Israel.”

That could change very quickly, he noted, “if it were going to be a wider theater of war,” but that doesn’t appear to be the case at this point.

Meanwhile, “OPEC has been a wait-and-see situation,” he said, “which could change given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. But I think that the market in the past few years has gotten more accustomed to these shocks to the market [and] is starting to see that these price shocks are more short-lived than anticipated, so when it happens again, that tends to have less impact.”

The White House has limited options to affect gas prices, but pain at the pump has repeatedly dogged President Biden’s approvals, particularly in summer 2022 when they hit records in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although Biden’s approval ratings have remained low, particularly over his handling of the Gaza conflict, lower gas prices could give him a slight boost, Kloza said, particularly among Americans concerned about the cost of living.

“I think 2022 and 2023 were tough years to be dealing with high oil prices and high gasoline and diesel prices,” he said. “There aren’t many things that in a basket of consumer goods you can say it’s as low as in 2021.”

On balance, he added, “gas prices will be cheaper in 2024 than they were in 2023, and 2023 was considerably cheaper than 2022.”

Energy & Environment, Business, Transportation, gas prices, OPEC, OPEC+ Gas prices dipped significantly over the weekend, bringing relief for drivers ahead of the holiday. As of Monday, the national average stands at $3.15 per gallon, according to AAA. That’s 5 cents less than last week, which was itself 20 cents down from a month ago. One of the driving forces in the decline is the aftermath of…

Business

How Trump’s Tariffs Could Hit American Wallets

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

As the debate over tariffs heats up ahead of the 2024 election, new analysis reveals that American consumers could face significant financial consequences if former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs are enacted and maintained. According to a recent report highlighted by Forbes, the impact could be felt across households, businesses, and the broader U.S. economy.

The Household Cost: Up to $2,400 More Per Year

Research from Yale University’s Budget Lab, cited by Forbes, estimates that the average U.S. household could pay an additional $2,400 in 2025 if the new tariffs take effect and persist. This projection reflects the cumulative impact of all tariffs announced in Trump’s plan.

Price Hikes Across Everyday Goods

The tariffs are expected to drive up consumer prices by 1.8% in the near term. Some of the hardest-hit categories include:

Apparel: Prices could jump 37% in the short term (and 18% long-term).
Footwear: Up 39% short-term (18% long-term).
Metals: Up 43%.
Leather products: Up 39%.
Electrical equipment: Up 26%.
Motor vehicles, electronics, rubber, and plastic products: Up 11–18%.
Groceries: Items like vegetables, fruits, and nuts could rise up to 6%, with additional increases for coffee and orange juice due to specific tariffs on Brazilian imports.

A Historic Tariff Rate and Economic Impact

If fully implemented, the effective tariff rate on U.S. consumers could reach 18%, the highest level since 1934. The broader economic consequences are also notable:

GDP Reduction: The tariffs could reduce U.S. GDP by 0.4% annually, equating to about $110 billion per year.
Revenue vs. Losses: While tariffs are projected to generate $2.2 trillion in revenue over the next decade, this would be offset by $418 billion in negative economic impacts.

How Businesses Are Responding

A KPMG survey cited in the report found that 83% of business leaders expect to raise prices within six months of tariff implementation. More than half say their profit margins are already under pressure, suggesting that consumers will likely bear the brunt of these increased costs.

What This Means for Americans

The findings underscore the potential for substantial financial strain on American families and businesses if Trump’s proposed tariffs are enacted. With consumer prices set to rise and economic growth projected to slow, the debate over tariffs is likely to remain front and center in the months ahead.

For more in-depth economic analysis and updates, stay tuned to Bolanlemedia.com.

Business

U.S. Limits Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas to Three-Month Validity

Published

3 days ago

July 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In July 2025, the United States implemented significant changes to its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, restricting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to a single entry and a maximum validity of three months. This marks a departure from previous policies that allowed for multiple entries and longer stays, and has important implications for travel, business, and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Key Changes in U.S. Visa Policy for Nigerians

Single-Entry, Three-Month Limit: As of July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians are now valid for only one entry and up to three months.
No Retroactive Impact: Visas issued prior to this date remain valid under their original terms.
Reciprocity Principle: The U.S. cited alignment with Nigeria’s own visa policies for U.S. citizens as the basis for these changes.
Enhanced Security Screening: Applicants are required to make their social media accounts public for vetting, and are subject to increased scrutiny for any signs of hostility toward U.S. institutions.

Rationale Behind the Policy Shift

Security and Immigration Integrity: The U.S. government stated the changes are intended to safeguard the immigration system and meet global security standards.
Diplomatic Reciprocity: These restrictions mirror the limitations Nigeria imposes on U.S. travelers, emphasizing the principle of fairness in international visa agreements.
Potential for Further Action: The U.S. has indicated that additional travel restrictions could be introduced if Nigeria does not address certain diplomatic and security concerns.

Nigeria’s Updated Visa Policy

Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025): Introduced in May 2025, this policy features a new e-Visa system for short visits and reorganizes visa categories:
- Short Visit Visas (e-Visa): For business or tourism, valid up to three months, non-renewable, processed digitally within 48 hours.
- Temporary Residence Visas: For employment or study, valid up to two years.
- Permanent Residence Visas: For investors, retirees, and highly skilled individuals.
Visa Exemptions: ECOWAS citizens and certain diplomatic passport holders remain exempt.
Reciprocal Restrictions: Most short-stay and business visas for U.S. citizens are single-entry and short-term, reflecting reciprocal treatment.

Impact on Travelers and Bilateral Relations

Nigerian Travelers: Face increased administrative requirements, higher costs, and reduced travel flexibility to the U.S.
U.S. Travelers to Nigeria: Encounter similar restrictions, with most visas limited to single entry and short duration.
Diplomatic Tensions: Nigerian officials have called for reconsideration of the U.S. policy, warning of negative effects on bilateral ties and people-to-people exchanges.

Conclusion

The U.S. decision to limit Nigerian non-immigrant visas to three months highlights the growing complexity and reciprocity in global visa regimes. Both countries are tightening their policies, citing security and fairness, which underscores the need for travelers and businesses to stay informed and adapt to evolving requirements.

Business

Nicki Minaj Demands $200 Million from Jay-Z in Explosive Twitter Rant

Published

3 days ago

July 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Nicki Minaj has once again set social media ablaze, this time targeting Jay-Z with a series of pointed tweets that allege he owes her an eye-popping $200 million. The outburst has reignited debates about artist compensation, industry transparency, and the ongoing power struggles within hip-hop’s elite circles.

The $200 Million Claim

In a string of tweets, Minaj directly addressed Jay-Z, writing, “Jay-Z, call me to settle the karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my top five though. Let’s get it.” She went further, warning, “Anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.” According to Minaj, the alleged debt stems from Jay-Z’s sale of Tidal, the music streaming platform he launched in 2015 with a group of high-profile artists—including Minaj herself, J. Cole, and Rihanna.

When Jay-Z sold Tidal in 2021, Minaj claims she was only offered $1 million, a figure she says falls dramatically short of what she believes she is owed based on her ownership stake and contributions. She has long voiced dissatisfaction with the payout, but this is the most public—and dramatic—demand to date.

Beyond the Money: Broader Grievances

Minaj’s Twitter storm wasn’t limited to financial complaints. She also:

Promised to start a college fund for her fans if she receives the money she claims is owed.
Accused blogs and online creators of ignoring her side of the story, especially when it involves Jay-Z.
Warned content creators about posting “hate or lies,” saying, “They won’t cover your legal fees… I hope it’s worth losing everything including your account.”

She expressed frustration that mainstream blogs and platforms don’t fully cover her statements, especially when they involve Jay-Z, and suggested that much of the coverage she receives is from less reputable sources.

Satirical Accusations and Industry Critique

Minaj’s tweets took a satirical turn as she jokingly blamed Jay-Z for a laundry list of cultural grievances, including:

The state of hip-hop, football, basketball, and touring
The decline of Instagram and Twitter
Even processed foods and artificial dyes in candy

She repeatedly declared, “The jig is up,” but clarified that her statements were “alleged and for entertainment purposes only.”

Political and Cultural Criticism

Minaj also criticized Jay-Z’s political involvement, questioning why he didn’t campaign more actively for Kamala Harris or respond to President Obama’s comments about Black men. While Jay-Z has a history of supporting Democratic campaigns, Minaj’s critique centered on more recent events and what she perceives as a lack of advocacy for the Black community.

The Super Bowl and Lil Wayne

Adding another layer to her grievances, Minaj voiced disappointment that Lil Wayne was not chosen to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, a decision she attributes to Jay-Z’s influence in the entertainment industry.

Public and Industry Reaction

Despite the seriousness of her financial claim, many observers note that if Minaj truly believed Jay-Z owed her $200 million, legal action—not social media—would likely follow. As of now, there is no public record of a lawsuit or formal complaint.

Some fans and commentators see Minaj’s outburst as part of a larger pattern of airing industry grievances online, while others interpret it as a mix of personal frustration and performance art. Minaj herself emphasized that her tweets were “for entertainment purposes only.”

Conclusion

Nicki Minaj’s explosive Twitter rant against Jay-Z has once again placed the spotlight on issues of artist compensation and industry dynamics. Whether her claims will lead to further action or remain another dramatic chapter in hip-hop’s ongoing soap opera remains to be seen, but for now, the world is watching—and tweeting.