Thankfully, the subzero air temperatures are a thing of the past here in Kansas after an extended bout with severe cold conditions. However, we are still seeing the lingering effects of that powerful weather system as gas prices continue to rise.
Kansas AAA spokesman Shawn Steward says the freezing temperatures knocked about a dozen Texas refineries offline. That has taken up to four million barrels of crude oil per day off the market. Steward says that’s the equivalent of around 20 percent of the nation’s gas supply.
Under normal circumstances, this would be early for a general price increase. That typically happens in the month or so leading up to Memorial Day.
Prices across Kansas now average $2.39 a gallon, and Emporia’s prices are now as high as $2.45 a gallon. Steward says prices are definitely well above where they were last week, but Kansas still ranks 11th in the country for lowest average gas price. The national average is now $2.60 a gallon.
