NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, March 28 2007 – Refinery problems at home and political tensions abroad are keeping upward pressure on motor fuel prices, AAA said today, resulting in the highest statewide gas price average in more than six months.

According to AAA’s daily Fuel Gauge Report (http://www.aaafuelgaugereport.com/), self-serve regular gasoline is now averaging $2.46 per gallon in Oklahoma, up 54 cents over the last two months and the highest average since Sept. 8, 2006.

Tulsa’s citywide price average jumped seven cents overnight, to $2.46 today, matching Oklahoma City’s current price average of $2.46.

The nationwide average for self-serve regular gas is $2.60 today. Last month the average price was $2.35 and one year ago, it stood at $2.50.

Industry analysts say the continuing increases at the pump are being driven by much higher crude oil prices, concerns over Iran’s recent detention of a British naval team, low domestic inventories, the weak dollar, and a series of production problems at refineries in California, Texas and Indiana.

Among the 50 states, California has the highest average price today at $3.203 per gallon, followed by Hawaii, $2.978, and Nevada, $2.904.

Five states have a lower statewide gas price average today than Oklahoma: South Carolina, $2.408; Missouri, $2.422; Tennessee, $2.437; Georgia, $2.446; and Mississippi, $2.453.

Motorists can go online to http://www.aaa.com/ and click on Auto Travel, Gas Guide, to access AAA’s handy Fuel Cost Calculator as well as helpful tips on how to conserve fuel.