ST. LOUIS — Missouri residents have probably noticed a jump in prices at the pump over the last few weeks. AAA said there are many reasons for that increase, including some unusual circumstances that could lead to prices coming back down soon.
Nick Chabarria, a AAA spokesman, said recent events have resulted in high demand for gasoline in Missouri. Families hitting the road for spring break and sky watchers heading to the St. Louis area for Monday's eclipse led to increased demand and increased prices.
Now that those events are in the rear-view mirror, those prices could start coming back down.
"While gas prices are still on the rise, recent data from the Energy Information Administration suggests a decline in demand following the conclusion of spring break and eclipse viewing road trips,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. "This dip in demand may exert some downward pressure on prices."
Chabarria said one thing that could put the brakes on that price dip is the introduction of the more expensive summer blend of gasoline.
According to AAA, summer-blend gas evaporates at a higher temperature than the winter blend. The blend is more expensive but can also provide better gas mileage.
AAA said the best way to save money on gas is to use driving habits that conserve fuel. Some examples include:
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.
- Use cruise control on the highway when it’s safe to do so.
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