Record High Gas Prices

Eastern Oklahoma gas prices are at an all-time high. Everyone's over $3 Friday night. Our crews spotted prices in Claremore and Tahlequah at $3.19. Gas in McAlester is a bargain at $3.07 a gallon,

Friday, May 11th 2007, 6:12 pm

By: News On 6

Eastern Oklahoma gas prices are at an all-time high. Everyone's over $3 Friday night. Our crews spotted prices in Claremore and Tahlequah at $3.19. Gas in McAlester is a bargain at $3.07 a gallon, and the price in Oklahoma City is $3.29. Drivers in Tulsa are paying between $3.09 and $3.12. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports some experts say it's just the first steps on a summertime climb toward $4.

Drivers sitting on "E" say they've had "enough.â€

"It's ridiculous because Oklahoma produces their own gas and oil, and we have three gas plants here in the city of Tulsa," said driver Billy Inks.

Market watchers say the refineries are to blame, but not for the reason most think. Huge fires have shut down two plants recently, including one in south central Oklahoma. Many others are doing repairs. As many as 12 refineries nationwide were down at the same time. That makes every drop that leaves refineries worth that much more.

"Oil man's going to make his money, gonna jack that price up on that gas," said Inks.

That's partially true. Experts say since oil prices haven't gone up, refineries cranking out oil are making more profit, but those that are offline because of accidents or maintenance are missing out on the big bucks.

"We've always been in the bottom five. This one's probably caught us a little by surprise. It's really moved us to the middle of the road,â€ said AAA Spokesperson Rick Bickford. â€œWe're right around the national average right now."

Bickford says it's a matter of supply and demand. Low supply and high demand gives you $3 gas. These drivers say if they don't see a supply of cheaper fuel, they'll demand a change.

"They'll start coming down once people start complaining, that's generally how it works," said driver Kelly Boyce.

The previous record in Tulsa was $3.06. AAA says drivers shouldn't be surprised if we're setting new records all summer long.

To look at a chart from AAA-Oklahoma of gasoline prices over the past year, click here.

Watch the video: Gas Hits Record Highs In Oklahoma