While the recent spike in the nation’s gasoline prices might have taken a brief rest, prices are still much higher than a month ago.
The U.S. average is $3.27 per gallon while Oklahoma’s average is $2.87. The Oklahoma average price is up four weeks from a week ago and 20 cents higher than a month ago according to AAA Oklahoma.
Nine counties in the state have average prices of $3 or more. The highest is Coal County where Coalgate is the county seat and drivers are paying an average of $3.57 per gallon. The other eight include Ellis County in the northwest with a $3.38 average, Greer County in the southwest at $2.19, Kingfisher County at $3.07, Logan County along I-35 at $3.05 per gallon, Lincoln County with an average of $3.02, McClain County at $3.04, Hughes County at $3.21 and Pushmataha County in the southeast at $3.02.
Drivers in Craig County with Vinita as the county seat pay the lowest average in Oklahoma at $2.70 a gallon.
Oklahoma City motorists pay an average $2.83, two cents more than a week ago and 11 cents higher from a month earlier.
Tulsa’s average is $2.90, 12 cents more than last week and 28 cents higher than last month.
Lawton has an average of $2.78, up six cents in a week and 22 cents higher than a month earlier.
Oklahoma prices compared to $2.88 in Texas, $2.98 in New Mexico, $2.95 in Colorado, $2.88 in Kansas, $2.89 in Missouri and $2.90 in Arkansas.
AAA spokesman Andrew Gross says in all likelihood, prices will continue to climb in the coming months.
“Old man winter is shuffling toward the exit, and with milder weather and longer days looming, the seasonal rise in gas prices is primed to begin.”