Missouri drivers will be met with record high gas prices to start the Memorial Day Travel period.
The statewide gas price average continues to increase in Missouri, reaching $4.17 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price has set or tied a new record high for the last 16 consecutive days.
That average is three cents more compared to this day last week and is $1.44 more per gallon compared to this day last year.
In Sikeston Thursday morning, gas was $4.19 a gallon with gas found at $4.09 in Matthews, according to Gas Buddy.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in St. Louis are paying the most on average at $4.43 while drivers in Kansas City are paying the least at $3.98 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.60, which is one cent more compared to this day last week and $1.57 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.
Despite higher travel costs, AAA anticipates 790,897 Missourians to travel between May 26-May 30 with 701,135 (89%) taking road trips. This represents a 10% increase in the total number of Memorial Day travelers from last year.
“Pain at the pump continues as crude oil remains elevated above $110 per barrel with no signs of dropping in time to impact pump prices over the holiday weekend,” said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “Even with higher prices, drivers should expect roads to be busy this weekend and make sure they leave plenty of time to get where they are going safely.”
Drivers in Missouri are paying the 5th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in California are the paying the most at $6.07 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.