Oklahoma Energy Secretary Explains Why Gasoline Prices Are On The Rise

GasBuddy reported gas prices in Tulsa are up 25 cents a gallon in the last week.

While prices are lower in Oklahoma than most states, many people are still impacted by the rise. The state's energy secretary said everyone around the country is paying more because of refinery maintenance, the switch to summer blends, and rising demand for traveling, especially around spring break.

"Gas prices raised a lot,” said Peyton Fowler from Broken Arrow.

Fowler paid $3.11 a gallon to drive to Arkansas.

"Anyone's just making minimum wage I think is going to have a hard time. Anyone doing jobs like DoorDash, things like that will have a much harder time doing that,” said Fowler.

GasBuddy reported the average price for gas in Tulsa on March 11, 2024, is $3.14 a gallon. That is about 42 cents higher than a month ago and 28 cents higher than a year ago.

Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment, Ken McQueen, said the price increase is typical this time of year because of supply and demand and the switch from a winter blend to a summer blend.

"In the summertime, with higher ambient temperatures, we need less volatile gasoline, and those components are typically more expensive than what we see in the winter blends,” said McQueen.

Even with pain at the pump, McQueen said Oklahoma still has some of the lowest prices in the country.

"We have five refineries located across Oklahoma,” explained McQueen. “Their total output is 24,000 barrels per day. That typically exceeds Oklahoma consumption."

That is still expensive for drivers like Denice Fothergill, who is retired and on a fixed income.

"It cost $46.75,” Fothergill said while looking at her receipt after filling her tank.

She said no matter the price, she must make it work.

"I've always been very cognizant of doing errands in certain parts of town all together in one day, so I'm not having to go out every day,” said Fothergill.

McQueen said oil prices are expected to stay flat, which will help gas prices stay consistent. He said he expects prices in Oklahoma to stay in the low $3 per gallon range through most of the summer.