Missouri gas prices climb ahead of Labor Day weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri drivers heading to recreation spots such as the Lake of the Ozarks for Labor Day weekend are paying nearly a dollar more per gallon than they were one year ago.

The statewide average for regular gasoline reached about $3.82 per gallon Friday, according to AAA. That is nearly 93 cents higher than Missouri’s average of about $2.90 at the same time last year.

Drivers leaving from Columbia are paying slightly more than the statewide average. Regular gasoline in Columbia averaged about $3.87 per gallon Friday, compared with about $2.93 one year ago. That is an increase of approximately 94 cents per gallon.

Despite the year-over-year increase, Missouri’s average remains below the national average of about $4.15 per gallon.

AAA says the country is on track for its most expensive Labor Day at the pump. The previous national Labor Day record was $3.82 per gallon, set in 2012.

GasBuddy had projected a national Labor Day average of $4.03 per gallon, 87 cents higher than the holiday average in 2025. The national average has since climbed above that projection, according to AAA.

The higher Missouri prices come as travelers head to the Lake of the Ozarks for the holiday weekend.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said all available troopers will patrol the state’s roads and waterways during the Labor Day counting period. The period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

The Highway Patrol’s preliminary online reports show at least five drownings investigated by the agency at the Lake of the Ozarks since May 27. The incidents were reported May 27, June 10, July 4, July 22 and July 25.

A 22-year-old Columbia resident was also seriously injured in a near-drowning at the lake July 31, according to the Highway Patrol.

During the 2025 Labor Day counting period, Missouri recorded nine boating crashes that resulted in six injuries and no deaths. One person drowned, and troopers arrested nine people on suspicion of boating while intoxicated.

The Highway Patrol is reminding visitors to wear life jackets when they are near, on or in the water. People whose holiday plans include alcohol are encouraged to designate a sober driver for both their vehicle and boat.