The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $4.14 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. That price is thirteen cents more compared to this day last week and is $1.38 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 $4.38 while drivers in Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Joseph are paying the least at $3.98 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.59, which is seventeen cents more compared to this day last week and $1.55 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
Gas prices in Missouri, and nationwide, continue their recording setting trend, hitting new milestones as Memorial Day Weekend approaches. The Missouri statewide gas price average has set a new daily high record each day since May 11th. That’s when prices first broke the previous Missouri statewide average record high of $3.94 set in July 2008. Additionally, the Missouri statewide gas price average climbed above $4 per gallon for the first time on May 12th, reaching $4.01. Nationwide, the national gas price average rose above $4.50 per gallon for the first time on May 17th. Higher pump prices continue to be primarily driven by the high cost of crude oil and increased supply and demand pressures on other fuels like diesel and jet fuel.
“High demand for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel is putting upward pressure on oil prices which is causing prices to rise at the pump,” said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “Despite record high gas prices, AAA anticipates Memorial Day Weekend travel to be busy with 34.9 million Americans hitting the road – a 5% increase from last year.”
Drivers in Missouri are paying the 5th lowest gas price average in the country, according togasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in California are the paying the most at $6.06 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.
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.
- 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.
Information about AAA Approved repair shops can be located at AAA.com/repair or by calling your local AAA branch.
