By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON — Crude oil prices actually went negative Monday, but where could gas prices fall to? That's still to be seen, according to AAA Kansas.
"They will continue to push cheaper," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "AAA is forecasting the national gas price average to hit $1.75 or less in April. We're currently tracking toward that price point."
As of Thursday morning, the national average was $1.79 a gallon.
"Monday's drop in crude oil prices was driven in large part by the fact that storage facilities are at capacity right now," Steward said. "To offset some of those decimated demand levels, we're seeing U.S. refiners reducing production."
Some refineries in the U.S. are flat out closing, but at least for now, Kansas refineries in El Dorado, Coffeyville and McPherson are still running.
"On the consumer side, it's great to be paying less for gas if you do need gas right now," Steward said. "There's also that economic impact for the oil and gas industry that is important to consider, as well."
Gas in Kansas is at $1.52 as of Thursday morning, with the average in Reno County at just under $1.60 a gallon.