Why Maduro's ouster will have 'limited' impact on gas prices as they sink to near 5-year low

Core Insights - Gasoline prices have decreased for six consecutive weeks, reaching their lowest level in nearly five years due to seasonal factors and lower oil prices [1][4] - The national average gasoline price is currently $2.81 per gallon, which is approximately $0.25 lower than the same time last year and the lowest since March 2021 [2] - Only nine states have average prices above $3 per gallon, with California's average at $4.25 per gallon due to taxes and fees [2] Industry Analysis - The decline in gasoline prices is influenced by the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the US, raising questions about Venezuela's energy reserves [3][6] - Analysts from JPMorgan suggest that while Venezuela's oil production may face temporary disruptions, recovery and increased output could occur in the following months, representing a significant upside risk to global oil supply in 2026-2027 [7] - The combined oil reserves of Venezuela, Guyana, and the US could potentially allow the US to control about 30% of global oil reserves, which may help maintain historically lower oil prices [8] Market Trends - Gas prices are expected to reach their lowest point in the coming weeks before starting a seasonal increase towards March [5] - Despite the potential for increased oil supply from Venezuela, the timeline for significant production increases remains uncertain, with analysts indicating it could take years for supply to impact US gasoline prices meaningfully [6]