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State profile · Kansas

Why is gas cheaper in Kansas?

Kansas's gasoline averages $2.92 a gallon, $0.46 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 25 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Kansas stations.

#49 of 50Republican control−$0.46 vs U.S.
Average price · Jan–May 2026 $2.92/gal AAA regular-grade retail
National rank #49 of 50 states
vs national average −$0.46 14% below U.S. avg
5-year change +$0.45 since Jan–May 2021

What you're paying for

dollars per gallon, estimated June 2026
Base costs$2.67
Crude oil cost$1.74
Refining$0.48
Distribution & marketing$0.27
Federal excise tax$0.18
Kansas policy adds$0.25
State excise + sales tax$0.25
The takeaway

Kansas pays about $0.46 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by low state taxes and ample regional fuel supply.

Policy environment
State + local gas tax (total)25.0 ¢/gal
Carbon program on motor fuelNo
State-specific fuel blendNo
Political control
Today: Divided government
Governor D; House and Senate R
Years D, 2001–2025: 0 of 25
Years R, 2001–2025: 10 of 25
Years split: 15 of 25
Red: unified R · Gray: split
How Kansas compares

Against its neighbors

Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.

#36   Minnesota
$3.10
#38   South Dakota
$3.06
#43   North Dakota
$3.01
#44   Missouri
$2.99
#46   Iowa
$2.98
#49   Kansas
$2.92
Ten-year history

Price over time

Kansas  U.S. average

$1.85$2.58$3.32$4.05201720192021202320252026
Common questions

Kansas, explained

Why does gas cost about $2.92 a gallon in Kansas?

Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Kansas's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.27 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 25 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.46 below the national average of $3.38.

How much of Kansas's gas price is taxes?+

Kansas charges about 25 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 15% of the $2.92 pump price.

Does Kansas have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+

No. Unlike California and Washington, Kansas does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.

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