The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.85 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 45 cents more compared to this day last week and is $1.26 more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in St. Louis are paying the most on average at $3.99 while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $3.73 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.32, which is 59 cents more compared to this day last week and $1.51 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
The Missouri statewide gas price average is 9 cents shy of the highest recorded average price for regular unleaded of $3.94 set in July 2008. Market analysts attribute the sudden spike in gas prices to uncertainty in the global oil market following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a U.S. decision to ban Russian oil imports. The cost of crude oil is around 50-60% of what drivers pay at the pump – and those barrels of oil reached highs not seen since 2008. Volatility in the gas and oil market is expected to continue until the oil market figures out how to balance the loss of Russian energy.
“Gas prices are climbing at a weekly pace we’ve never seen before, nearing records set in 2008 across the state,” said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “Prices are anticipated to keep rising due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact it’s causing on crude oil prices.”
Drivers in Missouri are paying the 2nd lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Drivers in Kansas are paying the least at $3.82 per gallon on average, and at $5.69 – California has the most expensive retail fuel prices.
AAA Tips to save money on fuel:
Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. Adopting new and improved driving behaviors can contribute to significant savings at the gas pump. Here are some simple ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency:
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- 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.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
