Average retail gasoline prices in Kansas have risen 5.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.50 over the weekend. This compares with the national average that has increased 9.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.60, according to gasoline price website KansasGasPrices.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Kansas during the past week, prices yesterday were 6.3 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 17.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 19.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 6.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.
In Great Bend, the average price was a shade lower, coming in at $3.45 citywide. Prices were about the same in Salina and $3.52 to $3.69 at Hays.
Junction City recorded the state low at $3.37. The highs were reported in Cherryvale and Independence at $3.79.
“Watching the national average last week, one might have expected war broke out in the Middle East or a major hurricane shutting down production, neither of which happened, yet gasoline prices spiked,” said GasBuddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The scary thought is what may happen to gasoline prices should one of the two actually take place. The Great Lakes was hosed with refinery issues and a major oil pipeline issue, and while other regions saw increases, they paled in comparison to those in the Great Lakes states.”
However, the good news for motorists is that the end to the summer driving season and change to winter-spec fuel is in view, which will likely put downward pressure on gasoline prices, DeHaan said.