Consumer News: Consumer sentiment falls to record low in April

Prices reflect the upward movement in oil prices as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Gas prices rise again: The national average for regular gasoline is $4.11 a gallon, up $0.07 from last week, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and higher oil prices.

• Diesel trends diverge: Diesel averages $5.45 a gallon, down about $0.10week-over-week, but still $1.90 higher than a year ago, signaling potential upward pressure on consumer goods prices.

• Oil volatility driving outlook: Crude prices near $97 (WTI) and $106 (Brent) reflect supply risks tied to Middle East disruptions, with forecasts calling for continued volatility and possible spikes above $110 if tensions persist.

The on-off nature of Middle East peace negotiations is being reflected in the price of gasoline. The week is starting with prices moving higher again after a mid-April decline.

AAA reports the national average price of regular gas is $4.11 a gallon, seven cents higher than a week ago. A year ago, the price was $3.15 a gallon. Before the start of the war, it was just under $3 a gallon.

The average price of diesel fuel is $5.45 a gallon, which is down almost 10 cents a gallon in the last week. Thats significant, since the cost of diesel fuel plays a major role in the cost of moving food and other products to market. The cost of diesel is $1.90 a gallon more than it was a year ago, an increase that may soon show up in consumer prices.

Oil prices remain elevated

Currently, the price of gasoline is being influenced by the price of oil, which has spiked since the start of hostilities with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices are trading near multi-month highs to start the week, with global benchmarks pushed upward by ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions and analysts warning that volatility is likely to persist.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, recently traded around $97 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, was about $106 per barrel as of late last week, according to market data.

Concerns about the future price of oil intensified again on Monday as stalled U.S.-Iran talks added to fears of constrained supply, helping push crude prices higher.

In some trading sessions, oil has climbed even higher, briefly topping $108 per barrel, underscoring how sensitive markets remain to geopolitical developments.

Supply risks dominate the near-term outlook

The current rally is largely driven by supply-side concerns. Analysts point to reduced exports from the Middle East and shipping disruptions as key factors tightening the market.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that transportation challenges and reduced shipping capacity particularly through the Strait of Hormuz are amplifying price pressures globally.

At the same time, global demand remains relatively strong, with consumption still near pre-pandemic levels, limiting the downside for prices even as economic uncertainty lingers.

Forecasts point to elevated but uncertain prices

Looking ahead, forecasts for oil prices vary widely, reflecting the uncertain geopolitical and economic backdrop.

• Goldman Sachs and other major banks now expect Brent crude to average around $90 per barrel by late 2026, with U.S. WTI near $83.

• The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently raised its outlook, projecting Brent could average about $96 per barrel this year, significantly higher than earlier estimates.

• Some analysts warn that if supply disruptions persist, prices could spike well above $110 or even $125 per barrel in extreme scenarios.

However, not all projections are bad for consumers. Some forecasts suggest prices could ease later in the year potentially falling toward $70$80 per barrel if supply normalizes and geopolitical tensions subside.

A recent victim recounted her experience on Fidelitys podcast

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Fidelity experts warn that financial are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using AI, impersonation, and increasingly convincing phishing, text, and voice schemes.

• Consumers of all ages are being targeted, with scammers often creating a sense of urgency or posing as trusted institutions to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.

• Simple precautionssuch as verifying messages independently, avoiding suspicious links, and enabling multi-factor authenticationcan significantly reduce the risk of falling victim.

A new episode of Fidelity Investments Money Unscripted podcast is sounding the alarm on a surge in increasingly sophisticated financial , warning consumers that anyonenot just the elderlycan fall victim.

In the episode, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelitys head of cyber defense, Sean Downey, outline how modern scammers are evolving their tactics, using everything from fake emails and text messages to AI-generated videos and voice impersonations to deceive victims.

are getting smarterand harder to detect

Cybercrime is no longer limited to poorly written phishing emails. According to Fidelitys discussion, scammers now deploy a wide range of tactics, including phishing (fraudulent emails), smishing (text-based ), and vishing (voice calls designed to extract personal information).

The growing use of artificial intelligence has made these schemes more convincing. Messages may appear polished and legitimate, while deepfake audio or video can mimic trusted individuals, increasing the likelihood that victims will comply with requests.

Cyber are everywhere, Fidelity notes in its learning materials, emphasizing the need for consumers to recognize red flags in digital communications.

Anyone can be a target

Contrary to common belief, the podcast highlights that scam victims span all demographics. While older adults are often perceived as the primary targets, younger and tech-savvy individuals are also vulnerableparticularly as increasingly rely on urgency and emotional manipulation rather than obvious technical flaws.

Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted institutions, including financial firms, and may claim there is an urgent problem with an account to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Key warning signs

Fidelity experts stress that recognizing common warning signs is critical. Among the biggest red flags:

• Unexpected messages or calls requesting sensitive information

• Urgent language demanding immediate action to avoid financial loss

• Requests for passwords, codes, or account access

• Suspicious links or mismatched web addresses

Even legitimate-looking communications can be fraudulent, especially as scammers use advanced tools to mimic real organizations.

How to protect yourself

The podcast emphasizes simple but effective steps consumers can take to safeguard their finances and personal data:

• Verify communications independently by contacting companies through official channels

• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources

• Enable multi-factor authentication on financial and personal accounts

• Keep contact information updated to receive legitimate security alerts

Experts also advise slowing down when faced with urgent requests. Taking a moment to verify information can prevent costly mistakes.

If consumers suspect theyve been targeted or compromised, Fidelity recommends acting quicklycontacting financial institutions, securing accounts, and reporting the incident to appropriate authorities.

The data show the growing economic stress on households

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A growing number of U.S. households are losing electricity due to unpaid utility bills, according to a new federal report.

• The data highlights persistent energy affordability challenges, especially for low-income families.

• Experts warn the trend could worsen as energy costs and economic pressures remain elevated.

A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is shedding light on the economic pressure facing a growing number of American households.

According to the agencys report the first of its kind a significant share of U.S. households have experienced electricity shutoffs for non-payment in recent years. The report, based on nationwide survey data, underscores the financial strain many families face in keeping up with rising energy costs.

The EIAs Residential Energy Consumption Survey indicates that millions of households reported either being disconnected from service or receiving a disconnection notice. While the exact figures vary by year and region, the data consistently show that lower-income households are disproportionately affected.

Electricity rates are rising

Energy affordability has become an increasing concern as utility prices climb and wages fail to keep pace. Households already struggling with rent, food, and healthcare expenses often face difficult trade-offs, with electricity bills sometimes falling behind.

Consumer advocates say the consequences of shutoffs go beyond inconvenience. Loss of power can mean spoiled food, unsafe indoor temperatures, and disruption to medical devices that rely on electricity.

The report also highlights disparities across demographic groups. Renters, households with children,and those relying on fixed incomes are more likely to experience energy insecurity. In some regions, extreme weather both hot and cold can intensify the risks associated with losing power.

Federal and state assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), aim to help vulnerable households cover utility costs. However, advocates argue that funding often falls short of meeting demand, leaving many without adequate support.

How to reduce electricity usage

With summer heat on the way, the problem could get worse. However, a few targeted changes can make a noticeable difference in electric bills.

• Start with your thermostat. Setting it a few degrees higher (around 78F when youre home) can significantly reduce cooling costs. Pair that with a programmable or smart thermostat so temperatures automatically rise when youre away.
• Use fans strategically. Ceiling or box fans help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms turn them off when you leave.
• Block out heat from the sun. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective shades can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.
• Limit heat-generating activities. Ovens, stoves, and dryers add extra warmth to your home. Try grilling outdoors, using a microwave, or running appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines at night.
• Seal and insulate. Small air leaks around windows, doors, or ductwork can let cool air escape. Weatherstripping and sealing gaps help your AC system work more efficiently.
• Maintain your cooling system. Replace or clean air filters regularly and keep vents unobstructed. If you have central air, an annual tune-up can improve efficiency and extend the systems lifespan.
• Consider longer-term upgrades. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can deliver lasting savings, especially in hotter climates.

Dozens of people in 13 states have gotten sick

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Thirty-four people in 13 states have been infected with Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, with 13 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.

• Contact with chickens, ducks, or their environments is the likely source, even when birds appear healthy.

• The CDC is urging flock owners to take hygiene precautions, including handwashing and keeping poultry out of homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry.

The CDC reports that at least 34 people across 13 states have been sickened by the same strain of Salmonella, identified as Salmonella Saintpaul. Of those cases, 13 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported so far.

The illnesses began between late February and the end of March, and public health officials warn the true number of infections is likely higher because many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.

Illnesses linked to chickens and ducks

Investigators say the outbreak is linked to contact with backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks. These animals can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they appear clean and healthy, and people can become infected by touching the birds or contaminated surfaces and then ingesting the bacteria.

The CDC emphasized that young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing within six hours to six days after exposure and lasting up to a week.

To reduce the risk of infection, the agency recommends washing hands thoroughly after handling poultry or collecting eggs, using dedicated footwear in coops, and keeping birds and their supplies outside the home. Children under 5 should not handle backyard poultry or anything in their living areas.

Businesses that sell poultry are also being advised to implement sanitation measures and provide handwashing stations for customers.

The CDC and state health officials continue to investigate the outbreak using laboratory and epidemiological data, and additional cases may be identified in the coming weeks.