ST. LOUIS – Gas prices in Missouri have set a new record high on June 2 at $4.30 a gallon and has set or tied new record highs for 23 consecutive days according to AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch.
Drivers in St. Louis are paying the most with prices averaging $4.48 while drivers in Springfield are at $4.24 and the Kansas City area is at $4.16. In Illinois, drivers are paying significantly more, averaging $5.26 a gallon. Drivers living in the Metro East may find themselves filling up in St. Louis because the average across the river is $4.98 a gallon, nearly 50 cents less a gallon.
Wednesday, crude oil prices jumped to $117 per barrel, its highest price in three months, following the announcement that the European Union has banned a portion of Russian oil exports. AAA says the crude oil prices account for 50-60% of what drivers pay at the pump.
“Conditions are ripe for another jump in pump prices after the EU agreed to ban Russian oil exports creating new supply constraint concerns,” said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria in a press release. “As long as crude oil prices remain elevated, so too will prices at your local gas station.”
You can find the cheapest gas across the St. Louis area by using our gas tracker.
AAA Tips to save money on fuel:
Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. 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. Here are some simple ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency:
Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
Minimize your use of air conditioning.
Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
