Gas prices in Missouri are higher than many other states

Gas prices have jumped yet again across Missouri, this time reaching as high as $3.69 a gallon in Columbia.

While a hefty bill is normal for fuel this time of year, Missourians are paying more compared to many other states. Typically, Missouri is in the top-five lowest paying states, but now ranks about 22nd out of 50 when it comes to low rates at the pump.

“Normally we enjoy some of the lowest gasoline prices in the country. It is very unusual to see Missouri in this condition,” said Mike Wright with AAA.

“They are just trying to get with everybody else, monkey see monkey do,” said Lonnie Murray, who owns a trucking company and spends thousands on gas. While drivers like him have their own theories on why prices increased, everyone still wonders “why?”

“Something going on with the distribution system, either the supply is constricted somewhere in the distribution system or demand has just gone wild in the last week or two,” said Wright.

“This time of year refineries are still adjusting the fuel from winter to summer, so high costs are no surprise. Historically the highest prices we pay for any month of the year occur in May so hopefully this is it,” said Wright.

Even though people can’t control what they pay at the pump there are ways to be more efficient with their gas. Experts suggest driving slower and said going 60 mph compared to 70 can save people 10 percent of their gas.

AAA said there is no way to predict what prices will do, but they do not see them going up over $4.