Cheaper Missouri Gas Prices Cold Comfort for Drivers Over the 4th

If you're planning on doing any driving over the Fourth of July, expect to pay more at the pump. Although, there is a little bit of a silver lining for those of us driving in Missouri.

AAA Gas Prices says Missouri is one of the top ten cheapest states to buy gasoline right now with an average price of $2.80 a gallon. And if you're heading to Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Texas over the fourth, you'll even save a few more pennies at the pump as gas is less expensive in those states than in Missouri.

Although that's cold comfort to Missouri drivers who can expect gas prices to increase by at least a nickel going into the July Fourth holiday according to AAA Gas Prices. It's also the most money drivers will be paying at the pump since 2014.

In 2014 the national average cost of gas was a whopping $3.66 a gallon. That makes this year's average price of $3.09 sound reasonable. And Missouri's average price of gas at $2.80 a gallon almost a bargain.

AAA Gas Prices says there are a variety of reasons for gas costing so much.

Crude oil, and in turn gas prices, are more expensive compared to years past mostly due to three major factors: confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout, global oil demand spikes, and the easing of travel restrictions leading to optimism for leisure travel. Last week, crude oil sold at $74/bbl, the highest price in nearly three years.

If you think delaying your road trip until later in the summer might save you some money, think again. AAA Gas Prices says crude oil prices are expected to continue to climb after the holiday and throughout the summer.