Mo. gas prices drop as US average nears $2 mark

Missouri’s gas prices dropped 8 cents during the past week to $1.85 per gallon this morning. Meanwhile, the U.S. average neared the $2 mark for the first time since 2009.

GasBuddy.com projects by Thanksgiving, the national average will fall to $1.99, nearly 80 cents per gallon less than the holiday’s prices last year, according to a news release.

“Some folks automatically expect gas prices to rise in advance of a major travel holiday; that’s become a popular misconception and this holiday exemplifies the point,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy, in the release. “November gas prices have slid significantly lower and holiday travelers will certainly be the beneficiaries.”

This morning, Missouri ranked sixth on GasBuddy’s list of the lowest averages in the nation. Indiana topped the list, at $1.80 per gallon, while Hawaii was at the bottom with its $2.81 per gallon average.

In the Show-Me State, the lowest price was $1.48 per gallon at a station in Leavenworth. The highest price, $2.99 per gallon, was at a station in Fairview Heights.

Springfieldians could buy gas for as low at $1.74 per gallon at the Route 66 shop at 700 N. Benton Ave.

As of 10:37 a.m., West Texas Intermediate crude oil was trading at $42.28 per barrel, compared to $40.15 a week ago.