Gasoline prices steady, crude oil declines

Gasoline pump prices held steady in the region overnight, while crude prices were falling today.

Averages for a gallon of regular gasoline stood this morning at $3.08 in southeastern Pennsylvania, $2.85 in South Jersey, and $2.99 for the nation, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Oil futures prices, meanwhile, retreated after a jump in the previous session on unexpected declines in U.S. crude and heating oil stocks.

Yesterday's rise of almost 5 percent gain had lifted crude oil to its highest close on the New York Mercantile Exchange since Nov. 27.

But today, light, sweet crude for January delivery fell 63 cents to $93.76 a barrel in electronic trading by afternoon in Europe.

The Nymex crude contract had gained $4.37 yesterday to settle at $94.39 a barrel.

In London, January Brent crude fell 66 cents to $93.36 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London.