State's average gas prices continue decline

As of June 18, regular unleaded gas in Missouri was nearly $2.84 per gallon, or 13.8 percent lower than the average price a month ago.

Compared to this time last year, however, Missouri gas prices are 18.8 cents, or 7.1 percent, higher, while diesel fuel is 8.4 cents lower.

Missouri’s average gas price is more than 17 cents lower than the U.S. average of $3.01 per gallon, while diesel prices in the Show-Me State are 7.7 cents lower than the U.S. average of $2.81 per gallon.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. average retail price for regular unleaded gas decreased for the fourth consecutive week, dropping 6.7 cents. However, the average price nationally is still 13.8 cents a gallon higher than this time last year.

Missouri’s average retail price for E85 – regular gasoline containing 85 percent ethanol – was $2.39 as of June 18, compared to $2.66 per gallon at this time last month and $2.25 in June 2006.