Economy

U.S. drivers are becoming accustomed to lower prices at the pump, and sales of bigger cars are rising. But if people start driving more because they can afford it, will it hurt environmental efforts?

Average gasoline prices fell below $2 a gallon this week. That means U.S. consumers saved more than $100 billion this year at the gas pump, or about $550 per licensed driver. At the same time, falling natural gas prices — combined with warm temperatures in much of the country — will mean big savings on heating bills. But consumers don't seem to be spending more yet. Why? In Vermont, at least, people are worried about warm days hurting tourism.

The 100-ruble note is worth about half of what it was worth in February 2014, just before Russia seized the Black Sea peninsula. The ruble could depreciate even more in the coming year.

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