Gas prices have surged above three dollars a gallon in Missouri for the first time since October 2014.
AAA Missouri says the average price in Missouri is $3.05 gallon, compared with $3.37 nationwide.
Gas prices in Missouri are the fifth-lowest in the nation, even though a new gas tax went into effect in October.
The average price for a gallon of gas in Springfield is $3.05 a gallon.
Joplin has the lowest price in the state at $2.96.
The highest price is in Columbia and Jefferson City, where gas prices are $3.09 a gallon.
AAA Missouri blames the high prices on the cost of crude oil, which is above $80 a barrel.
Press Release
The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.05 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch.
That price is eight cents more compared to this day last week and is $1.20 more per gallon compared to this day last year.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in Columbia and Jefferson City are paying the most on average at $3.09 while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $2.96 per gallon.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.37, which is seven cents more compared to this day last week and $1.21 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration for the week ending October 15, the U.S. gasoline demand number increased week-to-week by around five percent and remains elevated from this time last year.
Weekly regional fuel supply numbers decreased slightly, and Midwest refinery utilization registered up from the week prior.
The primary driver of this price surge remains the cost of crude oil, which is now closing daily above $80 a barrel.
In August, the price per barrel of crude was hovering near the low $60s.
The International Energy Agency forecasts more robust oil demand in the months to come, including for heating oil this winter, which is keeping crude oil prices elevated.
All 12 Missouri-area metros surveyed by AAA saw increases in pump price averages week-to-week with some areas experiencing significant increases.
Regular unleaded averages in Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City (MO only), and Kansas City (KS only) jumped 10 cents per gallon, with Alexander County (IL) seeing the largest jump at 24 cents.
“Missourians have not seen the statewide average price for gasoline above three dollars per gallon since October 2014,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “Gas prices may continue to rise as demand for fuel products remains strong and there continues to be supply chain disruptions along with many other industries.”
Despite Missouri’s new 2.5 cent gas tax, which took effect October 1, state fuel prices have kept pace with national trends.
Drivers in Missouri continue to pay the 5th lowest gas price average in the country – the same ranking Missouri held on September 30, just prior to the fuel tax increase, according to gasprices.aaa.com.
AAA Fuel Saving Tips
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible travel outside high-traffic times of day.
- If you own more than one car, use the most fuel-efficient model that meets the needs of any given journey.
- In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. On the highway even an empty bike rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack or car-top container will have a major effect on gas mileage.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy, performance and longevity.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA App for iPhone, iPad and Android.
The app can also be used to map a route and learn traffic conditions along that route, find discounts, locate parking, book a hotel and request and track AAA roadside assistance.
Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service.
AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service.
Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair.
AAA branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com.
