Northeast Ohio's average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline dropped almost a penny to $3.533 this week.

According to AAA's Fuel Gauge, crude oil prices settled down $1.42 at $103.98 per barrel at the close of formal trading Monday on the NYMEX.

As has been the case for much of 2011, unrest in the Middle East and Northern Africa and the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami has continued to drive the markets during the past week. With significant uncertainty involving the situations in both regions, experts expect developments with these stories to continue to be at the center of crude oil price movement moving forward.

Last week, West-led missile strikes into Libya continued under the United Nations Security Council-directed mission of protecting Libyan civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. Libyan crude oil production-normally 1.6 million barrels per day or two percent of global consumption-represents a relatively small share of total production for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) of which it is a member. Turmoil in Libya, along with growing reports of unrest and violence in Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have furthered market concern that supply disruptions could spread to other oil-producing countries in the region.

At the same time, Japan continues to face a growing crisis in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. With reports of increasing radiation levels and the threat of further meltdown looming in Japan, analysts began expecting that other countries would reassess their own nuclear power sources, leading to a potential increase in demand for crude oil for fuel power generation.

The current national retail average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.587.

A message from Love-A-Stray animal rescue in Avon Lake, OH:

     Meet three little miracles: Phyllis, Fergie and Bugsy. All three came to Love-A-Stray in the month of February and required extensive vet care. We are delighted to have saved their lives and they are recovering nicely - now, we just need to recover financially!

     Phyllis, a little 7-year-old, Toy Fox Terrier, came in with a ruptured corneal ulcer and required immediate surgery. Although her eye could not be saved, it doesn't take away from her adorable looks and sweet personality.

     If you were a betting person on Super Bowl Sunday, you should have placed a bet on Fergie who was brought in that day emaciated (half her recommended body weight) and with a terrible infection throughout her system.  Fergie required intense treatment and is making a remarkable recovery. 

    Bugsy was found in Avon Lake. He tested positive for heartworm and had pneumonia, which required time in ICU. He received treatment for heartworm and will soon get a clean bill of health.