Gasoline prices have risen to their highest August averages in the U.S. since 2014 while in Oklahoma, the average is up a penny to a statewide average of $2.63 per gallon.
The national average is up to $2.87 a gallon, as nationwide demand for gasoline hit 9.88 million barrels a day. The Energy Information Administration said gasoline inventories are tightening from 240 million bbl at the end of June down to 231 million bbl at the end of July.
Drivers haven’t seen an average of $2.87 since the summer of 2014.
“We are likely going to see an end of summer pump price rally as inventories continue to tighten, especially on the East Coast,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “This week’s EIA demand and inventory reports will give further indication of how much higher the national gas price average could jump before summer is over.”
Oklahoma’s average of $2.63 is the same as averages in Texas and Missouri. Arkansas drivers are paying an average of $2.59 while those in Kansas are higher at $2.67 a gallon.
New Mexico’s average is up to $2.75 a gallon while drivers in Colorado are paying an average of $2.80.
Lawton has the lowest average in the state at $2.48 while drivers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa pay $2.63 a gallon. Lawton’s average is a penny cheaper than a week ago while the Oklahoma City average is two cents cheaper and Tulsa’s is up six cents a gallon.
Morists in Comanche county have the lowest average at $2.48 while those in nearby Cotton county pay $2.49. Bryan County’s average is $2.56 while the average in LeFlore county is $2.53.
The highest priced gasoline continues to be in the northwest part of the state where Ellis county has an average of $2.90 a gallon. Adjacent Roger Mills county has an average of $2.87 while Alfalfa county next to the Kansas border has an average of $2.84.