For Missourians driving to Thanksgiving gatherings, filling up the gas tank may cost a little more, but it’s still cheaper than last year. In fact, gas prices are at a four-year low for this holiday season, according to AAA.
“Although prices have seen a slight increase this week, Thanksgiving travelers in Missouri will pay the lowest average gas prices since 2020, the pandemic year,” said Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA. “With record numbers of people traveling, gas prices could fluctuate as demand rises over the next few days.”
The average cost of regular unleaded gas in Missouri is currently $2.71 per gallon. However, residents of Columbia and Jefferson City are paying the highest prices in the state at $2.83 per gallon, as of Thursday. On the other hand, Joplin residents are enjoying the lowest prices, with gas costing $2.54 per gallon. Springfield’s average is slightly higher at $2.57. Nationwide, the average price is $3.06 per gallon.
AAA estimates that more than 1.5 million Missourians will travel by car at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, marking the highest travel volume on record for the holiday.
A Look Back at Last Year’s Prices
In comparison to last year, gas prices in Missouri are lower. At this time in 2023, the average price was $2.91 per gallon, which is 20 cents higher than this year. However, gas prices have been much higher in recent years. In June 2022, prices reached a record high of $4.68 per gallon.
The average price of gas in Missouri last week was $2.69 per gallon.
Missouri ranks among the top 10 least expensive states for gas heading into Thanksgiving, coming in at number 5. Oklahoma is the cheapest state, with an average price of $2.56 per gallon.
How Prices Compare to Last Year in Missouri Cities
Gas prices are also lower in Missouri’s major cities compared to last year. In Columbia, residents paid $2.99 per gallon last year, 16 cents more than this year. The highest recorded price for Columbia was $4.87 in June 2022.
In Springfield, the price last year was $2.89, 32 cents more than the current price of $2.57. The highest price in Springfield was $4.58, also in June 2022.
Nationwide, the average gas price is $3.29 per gallon, 23 cents higher than last year. Last week, the national average was $3.08, and the highest recorded price was $5.02 in June 2022.
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