Fuels analysts fear gasoline prices in Iowa could be about to jump following recent problems at three refineries in the Midwest region. That comes after more than two months of steady gas price declines in the state. Rose White, spokeswoman for Triple-A-Iowa, says there was a big fire at a major refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on July 29th.
She says there’s some reported problems at a refinery in Whiting, Indiana, as well as one in El Dorado, Kansas. An interruption at one regional refinery might not be so bad, but she says slow-downs or complete halts at three Midwestern fuel facilities could spell a price hike due to reduced supply.
Iowa’s been seeing prices at the pump drop steadily since early June, but White says that could be about to end, even though demand is starting to drop off with the end of the summer driving season.
Triple-A says gas prices in Iowa are averaging three-36 a gallon, that’s nine cents below the national average. Also, prices statewide have fallen 14 cents in the past month and more than 30 cents since June 1st.
