SHERMAN, Texas (KXII) – Across the country, gas prices are down nearly 60 cents compared to the same period last year – but many Oklahoma drivers are still paying more than their neighbors to the south.

In several counties in southeastern Oklahoma, including Choctaw, Pushmataha and McCurtain, the average price per gallon is over $3.

In most North Texas counties, gas prices average well below that; in Sherman, they are about $2.72.

According to experts, many factors can lead to price differences.

“You have distribution costs, you have refining costs, production costs, etc., and then you have your local taxes and fees,” said Daniel Armbruster, spokesman for AAA Texas.

Rylie Fletcher, AAA Oklahoma manager of public and government affairs, said competition also plays a role, even across state lines.

“There are still small-scale gas price wars where people try to impose the lowest prices in the city or region,” Fletcher said.

In addition, most gas stations still use the summer blend, which tends to be more expensive than other blends. The summer blend is designed to help drivers use less gasoline during the hottest months of the year.

Armbruster says that in order to spend as much money as possible, drivers need to examine their driving habits.

“We know that driver behavior is the most important factor. AAA studies show this again and again,” he said.

As the weather gets cooler, prices are likely to remain low.

“We’re seeing really comfortable gas prices right now and it looks like that trend could continue for the rest of the year,” Fletcher said.

Even with the holiday weekend approaching, prices are not expected to skyrocket. Ultimately, Armbruster said, a driver who needs gas should fill up instead of waiting for the perfect time.

“You may watch your local corner gas station and notice that prices are cheaper on Wednesdays,” he said. “That may be the case for that gas station, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the case for all gas stations.”

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