Gas prices are continuing to decline across Missouri and much of the nation, providing relief for motorists ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, though uncertainty remains as tensions persist between the United States and Iran.
According to petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan, Missouri’s average gasoline price has dropped about 13 cents per gallon over the past week, outpacing declines seen in many other states.
“Missouri’s average prices dropped about 13 cents a gallon in the last week,” De Haan said. “Most states have, in fact, all but one state saw prices decline in the last week.”
De Haan said the national average remains higher than Missouri’s, with drivers nationwide paying about $3.85 per gallon compared to Missouri’s statewide average of roughly $3.63 per gallon. Missouri’s extensive fuel infrastructure and relatively low gasoline taxes help keep prices below the national average.
While prices have fallen 58 cents per gallon in Missouri during the past four weeks, they remain approximately 75 cents higher than they were at the same time last year.
De Haan said gas prices could continue easing in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. He encouraged travelers to compare fuel prices before filling up.
“For any motorists hitting the road for July 4, my advice is certainly to check apps like GasBuddy or Google Maps before you fill your tank up to find those lower gas prices,” De Haan said.
He noted that gas prices can vary significantly across the state, with nearly a dollar-per-gallon difference between the lowest and highest priced stations.
“It’s pretty easy to save anywhere from 25 to 50 cents a gallon by planning your fill-ups ahead of time,” he said.
De Haan also recommended enrolling in fuel rewards programs to maximize savings at the pump.
For additional information on gas prices and fuel market trends, motorists can visit GasBuddy’s website.