Has gas increased in Kansas City after US strike on Iran? Here’s what we know
The United States’ attack on Iran over the weekend has resulted in an estimated 25-cent increase in Kansas City gas prices, according to AAA.
The Kansas City, Missouri, gas average is $2.73 per gallon, where the average was $2.47 last week. In Kansas City, Kansas, gas will cost you around $2.84, versus $2.49 a week ago. The national average is $3.10, according to AAA.
Some gas stations throughout the metro are higher than the city average. A gas price map on gasbuddy.com shows the QuikTrip at 6551 E. Front St. is charging $3 a gallon. A Phillips 66 gas station at 201 W. 6th St. is charging $2.99 per gallon.
Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA, said that the attack on Iran isn’t the only reason for the gas price increase. Around this time of year, gas stations make the seasonal switch from winter blend gasoline to summer blend gasoline. He said this usually leads to a 10-15 cent gas price increase around March.
Chabarria noted that while the U.S. does not import its oil from Iran, tensions like this can have an impact on the countries that get its gas from Iran, which impacts the U.S. prices.
“Even though the U.S. does not import any oil from Iran, the other large oil and gas consuming countries, like China and India do. Anytime there's a chance for a disruption in supply or disruption in oil production globally, that's going to have an impact not just in that region, but here at home as well,” Chabarria said.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in an attack dubbed Operation Epic Fury, PBS News said. One strike killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government as strikes and counterstrikes by Iran continue.
When it comes to the gas price increase due to the seasonal change, the gas prices should stabalize by the end of March. That’s usually when gas stations in the Kansas City area will complete their switch over.
How can I find cheaper gas in Kansas City?
Chabarria recommends drivers to shop around for different gas prices, as prices are constantly fluctuating.
“You may find a large difference in pricing, even from just one end of town to the other. Depending on who owns that gas station, whether it’s a mom-and-pop shop, or maybe owned by some of the gas or oil producers themselves,” Chabarria said. “Now is a good time to make sure you’re shopping around. If you see a low price while you’re driving, maybe stop and fill up, because of the way gas is trending right now.”
Drivers can look at gasprices.aaa.com to see more data on the Kansas City gas prices. Gasbuddy.com also has a map that includes the gas price rates at various gas stations across the area.
