Oklahoma remains in the top ten for the cheapest gasoline in the country, but not by much. The state’s new weekly average of $2.35 a gallon was 3 cents higher than a week ago and ranks Oklahoma 9th cheapest in the U.S. according to AAA Oklahoma.
The average compares to a national average of $2.54, which is only one center higher than a week ago. Gasoline prices increased in 41 states with Florida having the highest jump at 9 cents. A week ago, Oklahoma’s gasoline average was $2.32 a gallon following a jump of 7 cents.
The federal government indicated gasoline demand in the past week dropped slightly while the gasoline inventory increased by 3.6 million barrels. AAA Oklahoma indicated the two factors resulted in minimal impact in the national average.
“For consumers, the question is how high will gas prices go in 2018,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA spokesperson. “Since 2014, gas prices decreased as much as 20 cents in the first three weeks of the year. This year, gas prices are five cents more than on January 1 of this year, a possible indication that prices in 2018 will likely be more expensive than last year.”
New Mexico was the only state in the region to see no change in its average in the past week. Texas has the lowest average in the U.S at $2.29 a gallon followed by Missouri, Alabama and Mississippi. Arkansas is ranked 6th with an average of $2.32 a gallon.