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Why Is Gas Cheaper In Rural Areas?

550 views · Published 23 July 2008 · 1:40 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: KMBC 9 · 2008 · News & Politics

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Many factors go into the price of a gallon of gas.

But did you know a city's poor air quality often means a higher cost per gallon?

Because of air quality violations in the 1990s, changes were made to make fuel less polluting in areas with dense population, KMBC's Dion Lim reported.

That means gas is often cheaper in rural areas. This is noticeable in the Kansas City area, where Midtown gas stations are selling a gallon for $4.07, but a gallon is only $3.89 in Belton.

In the summer, heat and light make butane fumes release faster into the atmosphere. Those fumes aren't released during the winter.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the process to refine the gas and remove the butane costs between 5 and 10 cents a gallon.

The EPA and the Mid-America Regional Council wouldn't comment on whether the butane removal was the only reason for the price difference.

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