ST. LOUIS — The statewide gas price average in Missouri has hit another record and starting July 1, Missourians will see one more price hike at the pump when a new gas tax goes into effect.   

What You Need To Know

  • The Missouri gas tax will rise to 22 cents per gallon beginning July 1, and will continue to increase over the next three years. 

  • Missourians can request a refund of the increased gas tax for highway and non-highway purposes starting next month. 

  • To find the cheapest gas in the St. Louis area, click here.

Missouri’s statewide gas price reached $4.68 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, which is 13 cents more compared to this time last week, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. Compared to this time last year, regular unleaded fuel statewide was $1.93 less per gallon at $2.76. 

As gas prices continue to increase, so will the Missouri gas tax. In October of last year, the tax rate increased to 19.5 cents per gallon, and the rate will rise to 22 cents per gallon beginning July 1, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. That rate has been planned to increase seven cents over the next three years.

The state collects additional fees on fuel sales, including 3.5 cents per 50 gallons for agriculture inspection fee, and $28 per 8,000 gallons for the transport load fee.

Starting July 1, Missourians can request a refund of the increased gas tax for highway and non-highway purposes. The department of revenue is developing a system for customers to file a claim and receive approved refunds online.

For more information and links to refund forms, click here.

“Higher gas prices are due to continued strong demand along with persistent concern over tighter global crude oil supplies with the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the world cutting off Russian oil,” according to a press release from AAA.

“Market analysts are watching how pressure from sky-high inflation and record fuel prices will impact demand in the coming weeks, noting it is possible that the recent interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve could slow demand and in turn cause gas prices to drop. AAA is monitoring market conditions and believe it’s too soon to speculate how the move will impact fuel prices.”

St. Louis area gas price is $4.82 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is closer to the national average at $5.01, according to AAA Gas Prices.

“Drivers in Missouri are paying the 11th lowest gas price average in the country,” the press release states. “Meanwhile, drivers in California are the paying the most at $6.43 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.”

Below are tips to save money on fuel as stated by AAA: 

  • 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.