Nationwide gas prices continuing to hit budgets hard

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gas and diesel prices are continuing to rise across the country, with every state averaging a minimum of $4 a gallon as of mid-May.

Now those prices are nearing $5 per gallon or have exceeded that mark in some states.

The statewide gas price in Missouri is $4.55 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel -- a new record high -- AAA said in a Thursday news release. The price is 25 cents more compared to last week and $1.80 cents more per gallon compared to last year.

AAA reported the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.97, which is 26 cents more compared to last week and $1.90 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

Around the country, some fire and rescue departments say their budgets are being hit hard by increasing fuel prices. Some departments have decided to cut back on things such as driver training or limiting what they can do outside of 911 calls.

Mount Morris Fire Department in Michigan says on average it takes about 60 gallons to fill up a fire truck, which costs about $300 per apparatus.

AAA reports drivers in Missouri are paying the fifth-lowest gas price average in the country.