JULY, 2017– For the first time in five weeks, according to AAA, the national average gas price is increasing. At $2.26, today’s price has been moving higher since July 6 and is three cents more than one week ago. The moderate price surge follows a week of solid demand growth and a third straight week of gasoline inventory drawdowns across the country.

Kansas gas prices this week jumped five cents to an average of $2.10 per gallon marking the 7th largest increase in America, said AAA Kansas spokesman Shawn Steward.

“Gas prices are still at some of the cheapest prices we’ve seen this year, but consumers should take advantage of them while they can,” AAA’s Steward said. “This week, drivers in 31 states, including Kansas, are paying more than last week for a gallon of gas. And AAA expects to see slight price increases throughout July.”

Despite the rise in average gas prices in Kansas, there are still bargains to be had. Motorists in 40 Kansas communities are enjoying average prices of $2 per gallon or less. Last week, 94 communities registered $2 or less prices. Kansas’ average gas price is 12th lowest in the nation.

Of the 10 regularly reported Kansas cities (see chart below), only half saw price increases in the past week. Lawrence led the way with a 13-cent increase. Kansas City, Kansas rose 11 cents and Wichita saw a 10-cent gas price jump from last week. Average gas prices in Emporia, Hays and Topeka all declined slightly this week.

This week’s Kansas cities with the state’s gas price extremes are:
HIGH: Wilson – $2.40
LOW: Galena – $1.90

Great Lakes and Central States Report

All states in the Great Lakes and Central states saw gasoline prices increase on the week, on average by six cents. Five states saw some of the country’s largest price increases this week: Indiana (+15 cents), Ohio (+15 cents), Michigan (+13 cents), Kentucky (+11 cents) and Kansas (+5 cents). As gas prices increase, stockpiles fell in the region by 1.2 million bbl, indicating an increase in regional demand.

Gas Price Trends in Select Kansas Cities