Gas prices stable in Missouri and Illinois ahead of record breaking 4th of July travel
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)– Despite global conflicts, drivers across Missouri and Illinois are seeing relatively stable gas prices ahead of the busy Fourth of July travel weekend.
“Despite all the news and talk around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, gas prices throughout Missouri have really been stagnant over the last week,” said Nick Chabarria, spokesman for AAA. “The current Missouri statewide average today is $2.86. That’s up just about a penny from where we were last week, and still about 20 cents cheaper than this time last year.”
Illinois drivers are also seeing some price increases, though the state typically trends higher than Missouri.
“The average today in Illinois is $3.48, up about four cents from last week,” Chabarria said. “But again, not anything too significant and still cheaper by about 12 to 30 cents compared to last year.”
Chabarria said the conflict in the Middle East remains a wild card for futures gas prices.
“At least it seems, from the reports we’re getting, that tensions may be de-escalating, which is good news for keeping oil and gas prices in check,” he said. “Barring any major disruptions or escalation, drivers right now stand to see some year over year savings.”
AAA is predicting a record breaking number of travelers this holiday, both on the road and in the air.
“We’re wondering how long we’ll be able to keep saying this, but AAA is forecasting a record breaking amount of travel for the Fourth of July holiday,” Chabarria said. “So certainly expected to be a busy one.”
Chabarria encourages drivers to prepare their vehicles before hitting the road to avoid any issues during their travels.
“Make sure your vehicle’s road-trip ready,” he said. “That means oil changes, rotating and properly inflating your tires, and making sure your engine is running efficiently to help save on fuel.”
For a full list of gas prices across the region and an estimate for your Fourth of July road trip, visit AAA Fuel Price List.
