COLUMBIA — Crude oil prices are on the rise, and AAA Missouri spokesperson Nick Chabarria said this is pushing local gas prices up as well.
“Crude oil prices account for about 60% that the drivers pay at local gas stations,” Chabarria said. “So over the last several days to about a week, we’ve seen crude oil prices come up, and that’s why gas prices followed.”
According to AAA, the current average price for regular gas in Missouri is $3.88 per gallon, which is about a dollar more expensive than this time last year.
Diesel prices are also rising and hit an all-time high on Monday nationwide, according to AAA.
The rise in price per gallon is being felt by drivers trying to fill up, such as local resident James Taylor.
“It takes about $125 to $130 to fill up my work truck,” Taylor said.
Chabarria said there are changes drivers can make to their vehicle to save more at the pump.
“Make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as it can,” Chabarria said. “That means getting things done, like oil changes regularly, taking care of any check engine lights that may be on your vehicle.”
Tire maintenance also plays an important role in getting the most out of a vehicle’s gas mileage, Chabarria said.
“Tires are a big one too, making sure your tires are properly inflated” Chabarria said.
Chabarria’s main piece of advice on saving money on gas right now, is simply weighing your options.
“Make sure you shop around,” Chabarria said. “Not every gas station moves their pricing in sync with each other.”
He said it is unclear when drivers could see some relief at the pump.
“This is sort of an abnormal situation. So, it’s really hard to say where gas prices will go for the rest of the year” Chabarria said.