Oklahoma Gas Prices Climb Ahead of Spring Break Travel

Experts say conflict in the Middle East is driving the increase, but Oklahoma drivers are still seeing some of the lowest prices in the country.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:18pm

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As families across Oklahoma prepare for Spring Break travel, gas prices are rising both statewide and nationally. Experts say conflict in the Middle East is driving the increase, but Oklahoma drivers are still seeing some of the lowest prices in the country. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Oklahoma was $3.05 as of March 12, a noticeable jump from $2.35 a month ago.

Why it matters

Higher fuel costs can impact much more than the price drivers see at the pump, affecting nearly every step of the supply chain from agriculture to transportation and manufacturing. This means rising fuel costs could also influence the price of groceries, shipping, and travel.

The details

Energy finance professor Tom Seng says much of the increase is tied to conflict in the Middle East, with concerns about potential disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz driving volatility in global oil markets. The United States has announced plans to release 170 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but Seng says it could take weeks for that supply to reach refineries and affect gasoline prices.

  • As of March 12, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Oklahoma was $3.05.
  • A month ago, the average price was $2.35 per gallon.

The players

Tom Seng

An energy finance professor who says much of the increase in gas prices is tied to conflict in the Middle East.

Shawn Steward

A AAA spokesperson who says Oklahoma currently has the second-lowest average gas price in the country.

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What they’re saying

“We entered the year with oil prices between about 58 and 60 dollars, and a lot of us, especially in the Tulsa area, saw prices as low as 2.35 a gallon.”

— Tom Seng, Energy finance professor (newson6.com)

“We are not going to see oil prices come down until there is relief through that strait.”

— Tom Seng, Energy finance professor (newson6.com)

“Diesel prices have gone through the roof. The loaf of bread that you buy, the amount of energy that goes into that is incredible, starting with the farmer that runs the diesel tractor all the way to the plastic bag that the bread is put into.”

— Tom Seng, Energy finance professor (newson6.com)

“With a lot of people taking road trips, they're going to have to budget a little bit extra money this year for Spring Break.”

— Shawn Steward, AAA spokesperson (newson6.com)

What’s next

The United States has announced plans to release 170 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but it could take weeks for that supply to reach refineries and affect gasoline prices.

The takeaway

Higher fuel costs can impact nearly every step of the supply chain, from agriculture to transportation and manufacturing, meaning rising fuel prices could also influence the price of groceries, shipping, and travel. However, Oklahoma's proximity to domestic oil production and refining helps keep prices lower than the national average.