ST. LOUIS — The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $1.89 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Gas Prices. That price is one cent more than this day last week and is 55 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Missouri, drivers in Kansas City are paying the most on average at $1.95 while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $1.77 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.18, which is one cent more compared to this day last week and 55 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Missouri drivers have not seen gas prices this low heading into the Fourth of July holiday since 2004, when the Independence Day statewide average price was $1.72/gallon, according to historical AAA gas price data.
“These historically low gas prices to start July come as gasoline demand continues to fluctuate and struggles to rebound to pre-pandemic levels,” Nick Chabarria, AAA spokesperson said. “If this trend continues, drivers can expect pump prices to hold steady through the holiday weekend and beyond.”
The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand took a slight step back to 8.56 million b/d from 8.61 million b/d last week and remains down from 9.49 million b/d this time last year. Alongside decreasing demand, total domestic gasoline supplies grew by 1.2 million bbl to 256.5 million bbl last week.
AAA did not release an Independence Day holiday travel forecast this year but does forecast that Americans will take 683 million road trips from July 1 – Sept. 30.
Before you hit the road for the holiday or a summer trip, AAA recommends:
• Make sure your vehicle is road trip ready – have your engine, oil levels, and tires checked.
• Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map at TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions.
• Pack face coverings, cleaning supplies and a thermometer.
• Include an emergency road kit in your vehicle with an extra cell phone charger, first-aid kit, a blanket, flashlight, basic tools, jumper cables, and gloves.
• Take all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.