(KTTS News) — Gas prices are up 15 cents per gallon in Springfield over last week.
AAA Missouri says the average price for unleaded gas in Springfield is now $3.09 per gallon, up from $2.94 last week.
AAA blames higher global demand and the switch to summer blend for the increase.
Drivers in Joplin are paying the least in the state at $2.98 per gallon.
Drivers in Jefferson City are paying the most at $3.14 per gallon.
Press Release
The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.04 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents more compared to this day last week and is 70 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in Jefferson City are paying the most on average at $3.14 while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $2.98 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.45, which is nine cents more compared to this day last week and 73 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
The Missouri statewide average crept back up above $3 per gallon this week as pump price fluctuations continue. A higher global fuel demand outlook as well as the start of the switch over from winter blend gasoline to summer blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, are likely contributors to the increase. With demand expected to continue to go up with the onset of spring travel, drivers can expect pump prices to follow.
“Summer blend gasoline is designed to lower emissions during the warmer months of the year,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “The annual switchover from winter blend gasoline, which will occur over the next month or so, can cause pump prices to rise anywhere from five to ten cents.”
Drivers in Missouri are paying the 3rd lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in California are the paying the most at $4.92 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.
