By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — We are in the midst of a seven week drop in gas prices across the nation and it may continue for awhile, according to AAA Kansas.
"If we look at where we were a year ago, we were at $2.63 a gallon," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "More than $1 more than we are today."
The Kansas average Wednesday morning was $1.59 a gallon.
"We're seeing a fast and furious gasoline demand decrease," said Steward. "The latest data reveals that demand levels are at a level where we haven't seen since Spring of 1968."
The national average was $1.84 a gallon as of Wednesday morning.
"Sunday, April 12, OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, announced a historic global crude production cut, nearly 10 million barrels per day, for May and June," Steward said. "While that cut is historic, it's likely to not have an immediate impact on pump prices, given the overall impact of COVID-19 and the impact that's having on crude oil prices and gasoline demand."
In short, until the U.S. starts driving again for more than just getting to work and going home, gas prices may still slide downward, even in spite of the OPEC production cuts.