PUEBLO — Why are gas prices so much higher in Pueblo? That's the question we've been getting from News5 viewers. It turns out, prices are higher than the state and national average for a gallon of gas.
Drivers in Pueblo have been upset for quite some time after seeing their gas prices continue to climb higher that places like Colorado Springs and Denver. The frustration centers on the fact the same gas that is trucked to those areas costs more in Pueblo.
News5 gathered the latest numbers released by AAA Colorado that show the Colorado average gas price at $2.54 just below the national average of $2.58, but look at what drivers are paying in Pueblo, an average of $2.71 a gallon for regular unleaded gas. Compare that to averages of $2.45 in Colorado Springs and $2.43 in Denver.
Pueblo drivers filling up for $2.72 say they've noticed the difference in price.
"We went to I think it was the Springs and gas prices were literally 20 to 30-cents less than they were in Pueblo. It adds up honestly," said Nickijo, a Pueblo resident.
The fuel experts at AAA Colorado offer this explanation.
"Pueblo is going to get the same gas piped into it as Colorado Springs and in fact as Denver, but it's just there is not as much competition in the market. There's not as many people moving to or through Pueblo as it compares to Colorado Springs or the Denver area," said Skyler McKinley of AAA Colorado.
While Pueblo drivers may be discouraged now, the people tracking the trends say the price hikes shouldn't last.
"It's just a quirk in the gas market and Pueblo's unique size especially during the busy travel season we see that the bigger cities tend to benefit a lot more," said McKinley.
And there is good news ahead for drivers all over the state looking to save money on gas.
"This is going to be the last expensive weekend of gas for the year. Gas prices typically uptick slightly before Labor Day after which time they are going to come down and drop pretty significantly. We're talking 10, 20, 30, maybe even 40-cents depending on what demand looks like and what happens with the trade war with China," said McKinley.
Even though those gas prices are expected to fall after the holiday weekend we want to do our part to help save you money.
Here are some useful links to help you find cheap gas where you live:
https://gasprices.aaa.com/
https://www.gasbuddy.com/
