Travel plans? Expect to pay more at the pump this week

Kansans can expect to pay a little bit more for fuel this week.

The average pump price rose 7 cents from last week, in part due to strong demand for fall travel, according to AAA Kansas.

“October has seen strong demand numbers across the country and here in Kansas, likely, in part, due to consumers taking advantage of the relatively nice and warm weather rather than spending time indoors,” Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman, said in a release. “As consumers fill up their tanks more frequently, we are seeing supply levels tighten and gas prices increase.”

Statewide, gas prices are 21 percent higher than they were at this time last year. In Wichita, average pump prices rose to $2.36 per gallon, which is 8 cents higher than last week and 19 percent – or 38 cents – higher than last year.

Steward said AAA Kansas does not expect this increase that is fueled by demand to be long-term.

For a roundup of gas prices in the Wichita area and across Kansas, go to kansas.com/news/gas-prices/.

This story was originally published November 6, 2017 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Travel plans? Expect to pay more at the pump this week."