Oklahoma Gasoline Prices Hold Steady

While U.S. gasoline prices climbed higher for two straight weeks, prices in Oklahoma held steady in the past week, increasing only a penny to an average $1.83 a gallon, according to the Fuel Gauge Report from AAA Oklahoma.

The cheapest gasoline is still found in Guymon where this week’s average price is $1.71, up two cents from a week ago. Tulsa is second lowest with an average of $1.77 a gallon. The most expensive gasoline remains in Stillwater where the average is $1.91, same price as last week. Altus has an average of $1.90. The average price in Oklahoma City is $1.81, same as one week earlier.

Other prices include $1.79 in Ardmore, $1.81 in Bartlesville, $1.85 in Idabel, $1.83 in Lawton and $1.87 in Ponca City.

But AAA Oklahoma says prices nationally could soon top the $2 mark.

“Gas prices around the country have increased largely due to seasonal increases in fuel demand and reduced production as some refineries conduct maintenance,” explained Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Today’s nationwide average price of $1.98 a gallon is the highest daily mark since January although it’s still 44 cents below the mark recorded one year ago.

Prices in 45 states are higher today than a week ago. Gas prices in Arizona are up 19 cents while they rose 12 cents in Nevada and eleven cents in Florida.

“We’re back to supply and demand basics,” said Mai. “Gas prices tend to reach their highest levels of the year in the spring before the summer driving season. As the weather turns warmer and days grow longer, people tend to drive more, which results in increased demand.”

He said the demand comes at the same time refineries conduct maintenance to get ready for the summer driving season.