MISSOURI, USA — It may feel like you've been paying more at the pump lately, and it's because you have.
Right now, the average price for gas in Missouri is $3.05 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
That's five cents more compared to this day last week and is 92 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year.
You may be wondering why this is happening.
AAA states the higher crude oil prices are due to rising geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine. They also warn that the continued issues will more than likely lead to additional costs at the pump.
“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.”
AAA provides 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.
- 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.
RELATED: Missouri gas prices hit 7-year high
"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," a press release from Triple-A says.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.35. Drivers in Missouri are paying the 7th lowest gas price average in the country, stats from the AAA show. Mississippi and Kentucky are the lowest at $2.99/ gallon of unleaded.
