Missouri's average retail gas price rose 5.4 cents during the past week to $3.47 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy.com's survey of 3,940 filling stations in the state.
The national average increased 1.8 cents during the past week to $3.65 per gallon yesterday, according to a news release.
As of yesterday, Missouri's gas average was 5.4 cents higher than a month ago but 2.9 cents lower than a year ago. The U.S. average increased 2.6 cents in the past month, but it has fallen 3.7 cents during the past year.
"The national average has stayed relatively flat for the last month, but that appears to be over, as the escalating situation in Iraq takes hold and drives crude oil and retail gasoline prices higher," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst, in the release. "Motorists should be ready for higher gasoline prices if the situation in Iraq threatens the ability of Iraq to export crude oil.
"While the U.S. only receives about 300,000 barrels of Iraqi crude per day, the concern is about the other 3 million or so barrels per day that Iraq pumps, which could be at risk of disruption. It's that perceived threat that may cause the national average this week to rise 3-6 cents per gallon."
With an average of $3.50 per gallon this morning, Missouri ranked 13th on GasBuddy's
list of the lowest averages in the nation. South Carolina, with an average of $3.38 per gallon, was No. 1 on the list, while Hawaii was last, with its $4.36 per gallon average.
This morning, the lowest price for gas in Missouri was available for $3.19 per gallon at several stations in Camdenton, Marshall and Joplin. A Carthage station was selling gas at the highest price in the state, $3.74 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's MissouriGasPrices.com
The lowest price in Springfield, $3.29 per gallon, was found at both Sam's Club locations, 3660 E. Sunshine St. and 745 W. El Camino Alto Drive. Prices elsewhere in the Queen City ranged from $3.39 per gallon to $3.45 per gallon, according to the gas price website.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil was trading at $106.91 per barrel as of 10:02 a.m., compared to $102.66 per barrel a week ago. Light sweet crude oil futures for July were trading at $107.04 per barrel on the
New York Mercantile Exchange.[[In-content Ad]]
