More than 380K Kansans will travel for Memorial Day. How much will they pay at the pump?
About 385,000 Kansans are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, marking the beginning of a busy summer season. Of those, 341,000 people are expected to travel by road, and unlike last year, gas prices aren’t expected to break any records.
Last year saw gas prices in Wichita, and nationally, reach a record high. The average gallon of fuel in Wichita cost $3.95 around May 18, 2022, compared to $3.10 as of Thursday.
In June 2022, Wichita saw an all-time record high of $4.59 per gallon. But auto club AAA said those high prices aren’t expected to make a return this year.
“Definitely a good thing for your wallet as you go to fill up the tank for your summer vacation,” Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas, said. “We’re seeing from experts right now that gas prices are probably going to stay fairly stable this summer, we’re not at all expecting any kind of record numbers that we saw last year.”
Statewide, Kansas’ average sits at $3.23 as of Thursday. This is below the current national average of $3.53. Sedgwick County’s average is $3.09, according to AAA.
See the interactive graphic below to compare Kansas counties.
Note: This graphic will automatically update as new data become available.
Staying safe while you travel
If you are one of the 341,000 Kansans traveling by car this holiday weekend, Steward recommends you get a tune-up before taking to the road.
“It’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good shape before you head out,” Steward said. “Make sure it’s roadworthy and will get you to your destination.”
Steward said to pay special attention to tires to avoid flats while you’re on your way, and to make sure your battery is in good shape.
“Those cold months could’ve slowly sapped the power from your battery,” he said. “And that can [cause] trouble in the hot months, as well.”
If you haven’t had your battery changed in three to five years, it’s best to check and see if you need a new one.
In case of a breakdown, Steward said to have a roadside assistance plan and to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle just in case.
“Just things that you might need to do a quick fix on your car and stay safe,” he said of the kit.
