Missouri gas prices jump nearly 16 cents per gallon as global pressures mount
By: Haley Swaino
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- Missouri drivers are paying more at the pump as gas prices rose nearly 16 cents per gallon this week, to an average of $2.68.
According to GasBuddy's latest survey of more than 3,900 gas stations statewide, this jump continues a trend that has pushed Missouri fuel prices nearly 16 cents higher than a month ago.
The national average rose about 5 cents per gallon this week, bringing it to $2.94 -- up nearly 8 cents over the last month.
The Tuesday update from GasBuddy includes a five‑year comparison to Missouri and U.S. averages:
- 2025: Missouri $2.85 | U.S. $3.04
- 2024: Missouri $2.99 | U.S. $3.34
- 2023: Missouri $3.00 | U.S. $3.35
- 2022: Missouri $3.43 | U.S. $3.69
- 2021: Missouri $2.49 | U.S. $2.74
While prices are still about 17 cents lower than the same time last year in the Show-Me State and 10 cents lower nationwide, costs are increasing.
As global tensions mount, people may feel the pressure at the pump.
“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.–Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption," Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy Patrick De Haan wrote in a release Monday.
Even without an immediate drop in global oil supply after attacks began on Feb. 28 in the Middle East, global oil prices traded at their highest level in more than eight months on Monday.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged to $78.65 per barrel, an 8% increase.
“Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation,” De Haan said. He added that concerns over key transit routes and broader instability have brought “fresh uncertainty” to global energy markets.
De Haan expects upward pressure on gasoline prices to continue in the coming week, with the national average likely to reach $3 per gallon for the first time this year.
According to GasBuddy, the national average is rising for the fourth consecutive week, driven by a combination of seasonal refinery patterns and global market forces.
Diesel prices are also on the move. The national average increased 5.4 cents over the past week, now standing at $3.740 per gallon, adding further cost pressures for truckers and the supply chain.
Some Columbia trucking companies tell ABC 17 News they don't anticipate a negative ripple effect until a few months into a broadened war with Iran.
It is worth noting that there has been a large gap reported between the cheapest and most expensive gas stations. GasBuddy reports wide price swings across Missouri. The lowest price recorded on Sunday was $2.26 per gallon, while the highest reached $3.69, a spread of $1.43 per gallon.
