Missouri gas prices rise 9 cents

The average cost for a gallon of gasoline in Missouri rose to $2.21 yesterday, an increase of 9.3 cents over last week, according to GasBuddy.com.  

The website also reports the national average rose by 5.7 cents to $2.39 per gallon. The cheapest places to buy gas in the Springfield area this morning were at Sam’s Club, 3660 E. Sunshine St., and at Flying J, 4939 W. Chestnut Expressway, both at $2.07 per gallon.

Yesterday’s price increase makes the Show-Me State average 40 cents higher than at the same time last year and 10.8 cents higher than in March.

"While the continued increases are completely seasonal in nature, it's not any easier for motorists to digest,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, in a news release. “Oil now stands at $5 per barrel higher than just a few weeks ago and is the main culprit for rising gasoline prices. Many areas also are nearing completion of the transition to summer gasoline, and with it comes a complex list of various summer blends of gasoline that cause us to pay more each and every spring.

“In addition, with the situation in Syria, there is a rising risk of more heat between some of the world's largest oil producers, causing concern in oil markets which could be a slight contribution to higher prices.”

Missouri’s two major cities are hovering near the statewide average at $2.16 per gallon in Kansas City and $2.33 per gallon in St. Louis.

Although rising, Missouri’s gas prices are still among the lowest in the nation, ranking ninth in the country. South Carolina is No. 1 with an average price of $2.10 per gallon and Hawaii ranks last at $3.01 per gallon.