Recently, United States drivers have had no reasons to complain. The drop in gas prices over the past few months from $3.28 last year to an average of $2.44 this year has been a reason to celebrate.

American drivers, especially those who pay for their own gas, have benefited greatly from this price drop. Junior Oli Randall said, “it really helped me out because I saved a lot more money to put into my bank account. Before, I would fill my tank once a week for $30. Now, it’s more like $20.” A drop in fuel this dramatic obviously benefits drivers, but who suffers from it?

U.S. oil production has doubled over the past six years, meaning Saudi, Nigerian and Algerian oil imports are no longer needed as much. Therefore, competitors have dropped their prices. In addition, more energy efficient vehicles are requiring less fuel per gallon. For all these reasons, prices are down and regions are likely to face upcoming economic problems.

Economic challenges are to be expected for oil-producing states and countries. These include Iran, Nigeria, Ecuador, Russia, Brazil, Venezuela and Persian Gulf states. States in the U.S., including Alaska, North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana are likely to face some arising problems.

One factor that some believe would be able aid the economy is the Keystone XL Pipeline. This is a potential project consisting of a proposed 1,179 mile crude oil pipeline, beginning in Hardsity, Alberta and ending in Steele City, Nebraska. The production of such a pipeline would allow oil producers in Canada and the U.S. to have more access to the large refining markets in the Midwest. It would also aid the economy by creating jobs, mostly in construction and other temporary indirect jobs such as food services. While some say it is a crucial infrastructure for energy preservation and economic reinforcement, others oppose the project for being potentially environmentally threatening and wasteful.

Although gas prices have risen slightly since February, oil prices aren’t expected to rise dramatically anytime soon, as oil production is still domestically increasing. Like any industry where economic principles are applied, prices will continue to rise and fall-bringing about new challenges, obstacles, or conveniences for Americans to take on.