Feb 11, 2020

Gas prices still headed down, but geopolitics will move the needle

Posted Feb 11, 2020 4:38 PM

By NICK GOSNELL

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas gas prices continue to trickle down on average.

"Kansas and nationwide, we're down about 3 or 4 cents from where we were about a week ago," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's because we've continued to have a steady gasoline stock level and demand has stayed fairly low, as is seasonal this time of year."

In Kansas, we're at $2.17 on average, that's 9th cheapest in the country.

"Today's average price in Reno County is about $2.24 a gallon," Steward said. "In Hutchinson, most of the stations are in the $2.25 to $2.27 range."

Geopolitical events will likely be the driver of gas prices going forward.

"Crude oil prices have dropped for the third consecutive week, as market concerns continue to increase, due to the growing impact of the coronavirus on global travel," Steward said. "If international travel decreases, global crude demand could likely follow suit and result in lower crude consumption worldwide."

There is also an upcoming OPEC meeting where they could choose to cut production and change the supply side of the crude oil equation further.