Gas prices continue to rise in Kansas

Though it shouldn’t be a surprise as we approach April, Kansans are feeling a little more pain at the pump.

“This week in Kansas, we have seen quite a little jump,” said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. “We’re at $2.47 a gallon. That’s up 11 cents in the past week and actually accounted for the 9th largest increase in the United States.”

Prices have been on the rise since February.

“Crude oil prices have been fluctuating quite a bit,” said Steward. “We’ve also seen domestic crude oil inventories fall in the past week, which played a role in the increase. Crude oil prices could continue to rise this week if there’s another major drawdown in those inventories.”

Kansas is still a relatively good place to buy fuel.

“Kansas is still 15 cents less than the national average, which is $2.62,” said Steward. “We’re 15th lowest in the United States. That’s a little higher than we usually are. Overall, we’re about 3 cents more than we were a year ago.”

Due to the seasonal changeover to the more expensive summer fuel blends, it’s likely that prices will continue to rise in the short term.