AAA Warns of Gasoline Spike Coming in April

While Oklahoma gasoline prices average $2.36 a gallon, AAA Oklahoma is warning motorists of a price spike putting prices they haven’t seen since 2015.

The automobile association says on average, most drivers across the U.S. have paid 25 cents more a gallon for gasoline. But AAA is now forecasting the national gas price average to be as much as $2.70 a gallon this spring. We haven’t seen prices that high since three years ago when prices hit $2.81 a gallon.

“There is tremendous volatility in the oil and gasoline market. Crude oil is selling at high prices compared to previous years and domestic gasoline demand has been high most of the winter among the factors all driving gas prices up and draining consumers’ wallets,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “This spring, consumers may have to make decisions on where they can cut costs to cover gas prices that are potentially 40-cents more per gallon.”

A new AAA survey found the vast majority of consumers would change their driving habits or lifestyle to offset higher gas prices. One in four say they would start making changes at $2.75, while 40 percent say $3.00 is their tipping point. Changes consumers said they would make include combining errands or trips (79%), driving less (73%), reducing shopping or dining out (61%), delaying major purchases (50%) and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles (46%).

“Motorists will start to see gas prices make their spring spike in early April. That is when refinery maintenance is expected to be wrapped-up and the switchover to more expensive summer-blend gasoline kicks in along with warmer weather and typical demand increases,” added Gamble. “Consumers can expect prices to likely increase throughout April, May and into the start of summer.”

Enjoy the lower prices while you can. Oklahoma’s $2.36 a gallon average is still among the top ten lowest averages in the nation.