By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that gas prices are a little higher on average statewide this year than last at $3.20 a gallon as of Friday.
"A year ago, we were at $3.07 a gallon," Steward said. "Slightly up, but when you think about it, it's not a huge increase and shouldn't have a major impact on most people's plans to drive."
Central Kansas counties are below average and a lot closer to the 2021 number with Reno County at $3.10 and Harvey County at $3.07. McPherson County is at $3.13 and Sedgwick is at $3.04. The highest county average is Morton County at $3.72 with the lowest in Crawford County at $3.00.
"We're usually one of the lowest in the country, which is nice to have," Steward said. "The lower plains, basically from here to Texas and then the southeast U.S. across to South Carolina, those regions have the cheapest prices in gas across the country right now."
Gas prices traditionally drop as winter approaches, with the exception of holiday periods, due to reduced demand.