Gas prices down in Kansas right now

Kansas gas prices are defying the normal pattern for now.

“In Kansas, the average is $2.61 a gallon this week,” said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. “That’s down two cents in the past week and the past month also and about 5 cents cheaper than we were a year ago.”

An increase in demand and the corresponding decrease in gasoline stocks have not bounced the price up yet.

“There are risk factors that could quickly push prices back up in the coming weeks,” said Steward. “The impact of Chinese tariffs, there are issues going on with Iran right now, we’re always subject to potential hurricanes in the Gulf and other places that could interrupt supply.”

Some of those supply issues are mitigated here because Kansas has its own refineries in El Dorado, McPherson and Coffeyville.

“Kansas is among many states now producing our own oil,” said Steward. “Domestic production has been very strong this year, which has helped moderate prices overall. Kansas is always well positioned, as well, with gas prices, compared to the national average. We’re the 11th cheapest in the country, right now.”

The national average as of Wednesday was $2.86 a gallon.