TOPEKA – As summer begins to wind down, motorists in many places across Kansas and the nation are seeing gas prices gradually drop. Today’s Kansas average is $2.65 for a gallon of regular gasoline, down two cents in the past week, and registering as the 11^th cheapest gas in America.

“Compared to July, consumer demand for gasoline is waning, and prices are following suit,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesperson. “The Kansas and national averages are expected to keep moving lower, especially with the seasonal gasoline blend switch-over in September.”

In September, gas stations will start selling winter-blend gasoline. This blend, which is cheaper to produce, contains a fuel that evaporates at low temperatures for vehicle engines to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold.

Of the 10 Kansas cities regularly highlighted by AAA Kansas (see chart below), seven saw their gas prices fall, led by Wichita (-5 cents), Emporia (-4), Kansas City, Kan. (-3) and Topeka (-3). Hays’ and Pittsburg’s prices remained flat, while Garden City saw a 2-cent increase.

According to AAA Kansas, this week’s Kansas gas price extremes are:

HIGH: St. Francis (Cheyenne County) – $3.10

LOW: Newton (Harvey County) – $2.47

Gas prices across the country are getting less expensive, as well. Today’s national gas price average is $2.84, which is three cents less than at the beginning of the month. With the exception of a handful of states, the majority of motorists are seeing slow, but steady pump price drops during the last few weeks.

The national gas price average is saving motorists two-cents on the week and one-cent on the month, but motorists are paying 50-cents more than this time last year.

Today’s national gas price extremes:

High: Hawaii – $3.76

Low: South Carolina – $2.54