Gasoline prices shot up across the country as Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, according to a weekly release by AAA Oklahoma.
Nationally, the average of $2.37 a gallon is up seven cents from one month ago and 16 cents higher than a year ago.
“No doubt, Harvey has impacted operations and access to refineries in the Gulf Coast,” said Mark Madeja, AAA spokesman. “Here in Oklahoma, we’re holding steady and actually up only 2.5 cents over last week. Time will tell as to when refineries can return to full operational status, and weather Oklahoma will experience any significant price increases at the pump.”
“As in any national or local state of emergency, AAA expects gas prices to be held in check up and down the gasoline supply chain, including prices set by refiners, distributors and dealers unless there is a clearly justifiable reason for an increase,” added Madeja.
Oklahoma’s average of $2.13 is up four cents from a month ago and two cents higher than a year ago. The highest average is in Eufaula where motorists pay $2.20 a gallon. Stigler has the second highest average at $2.19 a gallon while Clinton offers $2.18 a gallon.
The cheapest gasoline is still in Yukon where the average is $2.02 a gallon. Miami has an average of $2.04 while the average in Okmulgee is $2.05.
Tulsa’s average is $2.11, up a penny from a month ago. Oklahoma City has an average of $2.09, an increase of two cents a gallon in the past month.
Oklahoma still has some of the cheapest gasoline in the country. Its average is 5th lowest nationally behind South Carolina with an average of $2.11 followed by Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi at $2.12 a gallon.