Gasoline prices rise in Oklahoma after weeks of stability

Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa's average prices were in line with where they were a year ago, when it was $3.11 per gallon in Oklahoma City and $3.05 in Tulsa.

A check of several northwest Oklahoma City gas stations Friday afternoon showed gasoline continuing to rise, with prices ranging from $3.20 to $3.37 for a gallon of regular gas.

Much of this week's increase can be traced to the rising price of crude oil, said Chuck Mai with AAA Oklahoma. Since late last year, the price of gasoline fell even as crude oil rose. Now they appear to be back to the historical norm of rising together.

“It has been a roller coaster, and now we're climbing the hill again,” Mai said. “It appears the main driving force is crude oil. It's been rising quite a bit here as of late.”

Mai said part of the increase in crude oil has been positive indicators of growth in China, which would increase global demand for the commodity.

AAA's weekly survey of gas prices across Oklahoma showed a similar trend in price increases outside the largest metros. The report, issued Tuesday, ranged from a low of $3.01 in Muskogee to a high of $3.17 in Idabel.