Sooner State News

As gas prices across the nation begin to rise, a new poll has been released showing that an overwhelming majority, 83%, of Oklahomans support the idea of repealing gas price support laws put into place by Oklahoma lawmakers. Gas stations in Oklahoma are prohibited from selling gas at or below cost, a measure that was designed to protect smaller gas stations. 

“Only a quarter of Oklahomans are aware of the minimum gas price law in Oklahoma. However, after being informed of the law, the vast majority would support repeal to allow gas stations to sell at or below cost gasoline," Blake Moore, an Axis Research Data Scientist, said. "There’s no base of support for the status quo; this is a rare proposal where Republicans and Democrats are in lockstep agreement.”

Oklahoma is one of only a handful of states that regulate the price of gas, mandating that retailers cannot charge below a 6% markup. Gas prices in the state and across the nation have soared in 2021 due to inflation and limited supply. This has prompted consumers to support measures that would result in a decrease in gas prices, including this law which sets a floor when it comes to the price of gasoline. 

Current gas prices in Oklahoma are $3 per gallon (as of Nov. 19), according to AAA. This is a 66% price increase from the $1.80 average price per gallon just a year ago. The situation in Oklahoma isn't unique. Gas prices across the nation continue to soar.

The dissatisfaction over gas prices could reach a high point this holiday season. GasBuddy reports that 32% of Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, according to its annual Thanksgiving Travel Survey. The fuel savings platform reports that the national average price of gasoline is expect to decline to $3.35 by the holiday, but it is the highest price per gallon it's seen in seven years. The most expensive year for gasoline was 2012 with an average price of $3.44 per gallon. The current national average, as of Nov. 19, is $3.41.