Report: Kentucky among the top states affected by rising gas prices. Here’s why

The pain at the pump in Kentucky is real, a new analysis of gas prices and driving habits shows.

A recent Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy report shows Kentucky is one of the top four states most affected by the surge in gas prices due to the war in Iran, which began in late February.

Every driving-age person in Kentucky will spend on average $47 more each month on gas, the report, released March 23, estimates. Only three other states are estimated to see steeper increases: Alabama at $52, Mississippi at $51 and Wyoming at $49.

Across the country, the average monthly gas spend will jump $34 per driving-age person, the report details. If price increases persist, the average additional cost to households across the nation will be several hundred dollars per year.

The analysis looked at AAA gasoline prices and fuel usage data by state from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

Kentuckians drive a lot, particularly to get work, a Kentucky Center for Statistics analysis of commuting patterns shows. That means those average gas bills will consequently be higher. For example, more than 104,000 people commute from surrounding areas to work in Fayette County. The largest group, of a little more than 10,000 people, drives from Madison County.

AAA data shows the average cost of gas in Kentucky is $3.96 per gallon as of April 16. That’s still below the national average of $4.09.

The ITEP report estimates across the U.S., drivers are paying an additional $9.4 billion per month a month on gas.

Beth Musgrave

Lexington Herald-Leader

Beth Musgrave has covered government and politics for the Herald-Leader for more than a decade. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has worked as a reporter in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois and Washington D.C. Support my work with a digital subscription