By Jurge Cruz-Alvarez
According to AAA, the current national average price per gallon of regular gasoline is $2.31.
Due to an abundance of oil on the world market, gas prices have been on a steady decline this Winter season. Some of the lowest prices since 2016, according to AAA. Early in 2018, major crude oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia planned to significantly cut their production. Around the same time, President Donald Trump pressured the two powers to change their plans to cut down on production out of fear that sanctions on Iran could cut oil output significantly. Fast forward about a year, and now there is just too much product in the market. This has resulted in lower gas prices, great news for consumers.
As of Feb. 15, the average price of gas in Omaha is less than the national average.
“I’m saving a few dollars here and there. Definitely helps towards college, obviously,” said University of Nebraska at Omaha student Brandon Khim.
For local residents, there are even more opportunities to save at the pump. Business like Bakers, Casey’s and Hy-Vee offer rewards programs that allow customers to save a few more cents at checkout.
Andrew Yochum is the store director for the Hy-Vee supermarket and gas station on 96 and Q St., and explains why he feels people find value in the program.
“People still want to save. No matter what it is. The cost of gas is a large portion of people’s budgets still, and I think it always will be,” says Yochum.
While a saturation in oil points to a continuing reliance on the resource. In the short term, it means lower prices for consumers.
