Anne and John Scarffe, Peak to Peak. Colorado gas prices have fallen 2.9 cents per gallon in the past week on April 27, 2020, averaging $1.79 cents per today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,158 stations. Gas prices in Colorado are 28.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 103.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Colorado is priced at $0.99 today while the most expensive is $2.95 per gallon, a difference of $1.96 per gallon. 

Locally, the Kwik Mart in Nederland at 217 CO 119, charges $1.99 per gallon and has regular hours. They have been busy during the Covid-19 pandemic for regular store items, like sodas and snacks, and more requests for the bathroom. 

The Smoker Friendly at 22 CO 72, Nederland, charges $1.96 per gallon for regular and $2.36 for premium. They have regular business hours for gas and items from the store such as cigarettes and snacks. They are stocked up, and have some toilet tissue. Sales have picked up in the last week, with steady business starting this past weekend. 

The Kwik Mart at 30520 Highway 72, Golden, CO, (Coal Creek Canyon) charges $1.99 per gallon and had no change from regular hours. Since they have a Post Office in the store, they have been busy but have noticed more cash transactions than usual. They have been wiping everything down, wearing masks, and have added a plexiglass shield by the register.

Taggert’s in Mid-Gilpin County, 4936 CO 119, Black Hawk, CO, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day and charges $1.89 per gallon for regular. Business has been down considerably with no school or casino businesses open. Purchases are of snacks and sodas.

Base Camp at 661 Highway 46, Black Hawk, CO, (Golden Gate Canyon) has seen slower business in the store because of no camping, during the virus, but have seen liquor sales go way up. They have seen reservations beginning to call in, and expect sales to go up. Regular gas is $1.89 per gallon.

Johnny Z’s, 1351 Highway 119, Golden, CO, charges $2.16 cents per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $1.74 per gallon today. The national average is down 25.6 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 115.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Historical gasoline prices in Colorado and the national average going back ten years:

April 27, 2019: $2.82/g (U.S. Average: $2.89/g)

April 27, 2018: $2.69/g (U.S. Average: $2.80/g)

April 27, 2017: $2.33/g (U.S. Average: $2.40/g)

April 27, 2016: $2.08/g (U.S. Average: $2.15/g)

April 27, 2015: $2.38/g (U.S. Average: $2.54/g)

April 27, 2014: $3.51/g (U.S. Average: $3.70/g)

April 27, 2013: $3.51/g (U.S. Average: $3.50/g)

April 27, 2012: $3.86/g (U.S. Average: $3.82/g)

April 27, 2011: $3.63/g (U.S. Average: $3.88/g)

April 27, 2010: $2.73/g (U.S. Average: $2.84/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

Fort Collins- $1.84/g, down 3.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.87/g.

Colorado Springs- $1.67/g, down 3.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.70/g.

Denver- $1.64/g, down 3.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.67/g.

“Unsurprisingly, for the ninth straight week average gas prices have fallen across every state in the country, with more downward potential likely, especially in today’s highest priced states,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “While much of the talk last week was about the West Texas Intermediate benchmark falling to $0 per barrel and then into negative territory, it was very isolated and oil eventually rebounded back to the current $15 per barrel level. 

“As a result, gasoline prices will likely remain subdued until meaningful demand for petroleum returns, and that may not be for weeks or perhaps longer. In addition, every day until OPEC’s oil production cut come into force May 1 is another day where global supply drastically outpaces demand, flooding the market with more oil, prolonging the time gas prices will remain low- something that easily could last into the summer, when motorists may be better positioned to take advantage.”

(Originally published in the April 30, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)