Falling oil prices endanger alternative sources

Chicago Tribune
By Joshua Boak Tribune Reporter
December 27, 2008

Energy prices resembled a roller coaster this year, clambering to record heights only to hurtle back toward earth at an alarming speed.

Expect a smoother ride in 2009, industry experts say. Gasoline could hug $1.50 a gallon. Crude oil, once thought to reach $200 a barrel, could stay well below $50.

The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression has lessened the demand for fossil fuels around the world. Americans are driving fewer miles, while growing economic powers such as China and India have begun to stop gorging on petroleum.

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