Missouri, Kansas have some of the lowest gas prices nationally. Will they stay that way?
Gas prices have reached an all time high in the U.S. Although Missouri and Kansas gas prices are rising steadily, they are still among the lowest prices in the country.
The average price of gas in Missouri and Kansas is $3.73 and $3.74, respectively. The national average is climbing above $4.17, reaching past the previous record of $4.10 set in July 2008.
Meanwhile, California has the highest gas price average at $5.44 per gallon.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has roiled the oil market across the globe, which is one factor leading to the rising prices seen at the gas pump.
“Russia’s invasion and the responding escalating series of financial sanctions by the U.S. and its allies have given the global oil market the jitters,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement.
The rise in gas prices are likely due to an increase in demand for gas, rise in price for oil and a decrease in the overall supply of gas available for consumers, according to a statement from AAA.
“Consumers can expect the current trend at the pump to continue as long as crude [oil] prices climb,” the statement reads.
Lower gas prices in states like Missouri and Kansas could be due to local taxes on gasoline and discounts on winter blend gasoline, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy.
Missouri has one of the lower motor fuel taxes in the nation, charging 19.5 cents per gallon in tax. However, that tax will increase by 2.5 cents each year until it reaches 29.5 cents in 2025, according to a report by St. Louis Public Radio.
Despite having some of the lowest prices, gas prices in Missouri and Kansas are still rising significantly. Prices in Missouri have risen nearly 40 cents per gallon since Mar. 1, 2022. Kansas prices have risen $.35 per gallon since the first of the month, according to AAA.
Check these maps to see average gas prices by county in Missouri and Kansas.
Missouri
In Missouri the cheapest average price can be found in Cedar county for $3.48. While the most expensive average price is in Jefferson, Pemiscot and Ste. Genevieve counties tied at $3.87.
Kansas
In Kansas, the counties with the cheapest gas prices include Ottawa and Lincoln counties with prices coming out to $3.45 and $3.47, respectively. While the highest price at the pump can be found in Republic County for $3.88 a gallon.
This story was originally published March 8, 2022 at 11:56 AM.