Gasoline prices in Kansas have fallen 1.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.62 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,329 stations in Kansas. Here in Great Bend, prices remain the same over the last few days at $2.65 per gallon. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.1 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.82 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.
Average gasoline prices on Aug. 20 in Kansas have ranged widely over the last five years:
$2.17 per gallon in 2017, $2.08 per gallon in 2016, $2.56 per gallon in 2015, $3.28 per gallon in 2014 and $3.48 per gallon in 2013.
Locally during the past week, prices are 45.0 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and 1.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has dropped 1.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 50.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Areas near Kansas and their current gas price climate:
Wichita- $2.58 per gallon, down 6.9 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.65 per gallon.
Lincoln- $2.78 per gallon, down 3.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.82 per gallon.
Topeka- $2.59 per gallon, down 2.3 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.61 per gallon.
“The national average price of gasoline has fallen to its lowest level since May 7, some 105 days ago when many of us were dreaming of summer road trips and falling gas prices. After all, gas as cheap as last summer has been elusive this summer, but it’s not too late to enjoy this summer’s lowest prices,” petroleum analysis for GasBuddy Patrick DeHaan said, “Oil prices have held in the mid-$60s per barrel, the price of which has been determined by a delicate balancing act of global optimism and pessimism surrounding a long litany of possible economic issues. As we race towards summer’s finish line, we may see more pessimism weigh on oil markets, offering some relief to weary drivers who’ve seen the most expensive summer at the pump since 2014. Labor Day will likely claim the cheapest prices for a summer holiday this year, and I’m sure millions of motorists will take advantage.”
According to AAA, in September, gas stations will start selling winter-blend gasoline. This blend, which is cheaper to produce, contains a fuel that evaporates at low temperatures for vehicle engines to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold.
