Missouri gas prices hit highest Memorial Day weekend average in four years

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Memorial Day weekend gas prices in Missouri have reached their highest levels in four years as travelers prepare to hit the road for the holiday, according to AAA.

AAA said the statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Missouri is $4.19 per gallon, up 2 cents from last week and $1.32 higher than this time last year.

Among Missouri metro areas surveyed, drivers in Jefferson City are paying the highest average price at $4.26 per gallon, while drivers in St. Joseph are seeing the lowest average at $4.01 per gallon.

The national average for regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.55 per gallon, also up 2 cents from last week and $1.36 higher than a year ago.

AAA officials said nearly 800,000 Missourians are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

“Higher fuel demand, elevated crude oil prices, and ongoing global supply concerns are keeping upward pressure on prices as the summer travel season begins,” Carly McKinnis, AAA Missouri public affairs specialist, said in a statement.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand and crude oil inventories both shifted last weeks, contributing to continued volatility in fuel prices as the summer travel season begins.