THE PRICE at the pump may rise as some oil-producing countries – including Saudi Arabia –announce cutbacks in production (Pexels/Gustavo Fring).

Higher fuel prices could be on the way, as Saudi Arabia and other major oil exporters announced on Sunday reductions in production by as much as 1.15 billion barrels daily.

The Associated Press is reporting that less oil for sale is likely to mean that the cost of each barrel will rise. As the value of oil increases, so would the income of Russia’s petroleum industry.

More income to Russia could help that nation, which is being squeeze financially by U.S-led sanctions imposed in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. 

It’s estimated that such cutbacks in production would cost drivers about 26 cents a gallon. The news about oil prices came right after a government report about inflation easing in the U.S., according to reuters.com . 

Wicked weather’s toll still rising

Storms continue to lash America’s South and Midweston Sunday, pushing the death toll to 32 people.

USA Today reported that McNairy County in Tennessee was especially hard-hit, with nine deaths. An estimated 72 buildings were destroyed in the county, located 100 miles east of Memphis.

TORNADO damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi (NOAA photo).

In addition to the fatalities and damages, an estimated 180,000 customers – residential and business – were without electrical power.

President Joe Biden visited Mississippi to survey the damage and to promise the federal government’s help in recovery.

“There’s nothing we can do to heal the hole left in the hearts of far too many families who lost loved ones this weekend, but we will be there every step of the way as they rebuild and recover,” Biden said in a statement.

Also in the news … The former governor of Arkansas has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Asa Hutchinson, who was twice elected to the governors’ mansion in Little Rock, called on former president Donald Trump to drop out of the race.

Weather: Be patient … sun on the way

A week of nice weather is on the way for the West Orange County area. Monday will start with morning clouds which will give way to afternoon sun. The daytime high should be 65 with an overnight low of 46. Tuesday will see the sun really come through; the high will be 64 (44). Wednesday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high of 69 (49).