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 five cents more compared to this day last week and is 92 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in Columbia are paying the most on average at $3.13 while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $2.92 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.35, which is three cents more compared to this day last week and 94 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
Rising geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine continues to drive crude oil prices higher, and that will more than likely lead to additional cost at the pump. Demand along with regional gasoline supplies increased from the week prior, according to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration. Midwest refinery utilization remained the same from the previous week.
“With tensions escalated between Ukraine and Russia and demand for gasoline climbing, market prices for crude oil have been moving upward,” said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “While gas price trends can sometimes be unpredictable, the current market environment suggests higher pump prices could stick around for a while.”
Drivers in Missouri are paying the 7th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com.
AAA Tips to save money on fuel
- 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.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Sign up for a fuel rewards program. AAA and Shell offer stackable discounts on gas.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest prices near you.
