Gas prices hit record highs nationally and statewide

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gas prices continue to set records as they climb higher and higher across the nation.

Saturday marks the 15th day in a row the United States hit a new record for national gas prices. Missourians are lucky enough to see some of the lowest gas prices in the country, but still feel the pain at the pump as new records are set statewide. The current national average price per gallon is just over $5, according to AAA, and in Missouri the average is $4.66.

Mid-Missouri prices are higher than the state average. Places like Cole and Howard Counties are seeing well over $4.70, and Boone County's average is $4.84.

To save money on gas, AAA suggests driving slower and safer.

"Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive," AAA says. "Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. Adopting new and improved driving behaviors can contribute to significant savings at the gas pump."

This time last year, the price for regular gas was averaging less than $3 per gallon.

The rise in gas prices is contributed to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia imposed sanctions on the U.S. and Europe causing the price of crude oil to soar.

Since oil is a global market, the prices fluctuate depending on what's happening around the world.