Kansas: AAA-Factors other than Iraq war affecting gas prices

AAA Kansas. David Dinell  

A weekend easing of retail gas prices in Wichita shows that there are many other factors involved in gas pricing than an outbreak of war in the Middle East, says Amanda Millard, spokeswoman for AAA Kansas.

According to AAA Kansas, at noon Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Wichita was $1.64, down 1 cent from Sunday and 5 cents from last week. Premium also has taken a drop and is down 5 cents, from $1.80 last week to $1.75 this week, despite even rougher conditions in the Iraq war.

"There are so many other variables than war," Millard says.

The main factor has been the increased oil supply from Venezuela, which had pumping problems that were non-war related. Other countries have continued to supply oil at pre-war levels, she says.

Also, there has been no panic buying in Wichita and other areas, Millard says. Millard says there is no reason for consumers and businesses to make panic purchases of gasoline.

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"That just starts a vicious cycle," she says.