Missouri gas prices surge 33 cents, topping $3 per gallon
Haley Swaino
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri drivers are seeing a sharp jump at the pump as average gas prices surged nearly 33 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching $3.01 per gallon statewide.
According to GasBuddy’s survey of nearly 4,000 stations across the Show-Me State, the steep rise marks a significant month‑over‑month increase. Gas costs about 43 cents more per gallon than it did a month ago, and 16 cents more than the same time last year.
The rapid price hike is tied to rising global tensions, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. He says that gasoline prices are “surging at one of the fastest rates in years” following U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
This is hurting drivers like Cheryl Wagner, who drive for a living.
“I drive an average of 10,000 miles a month,” Wagner said.
She’s drove for Uber and Lyft for nearly four years and Medical Transportation Management since fall 2025. But it’s costing her more to do her job.
“It [her vehicle] used to cost about $30 to $35 to fill up. Now it’s about $45,” Wagner said.
She said she has to take that into consideration when accepting a ride, as tips aren’t up either.
“My tips are averaging the $3 or nothing,” Wagner said.
She got a nice tip Tuesday morning after driving a woman from Kingdom City to Columbia.
“She [rider] was astounded that I only got $17.99 compared to how much she paid. And she paid well over $50 for that ride,” Wagner said.
As a Farber, Missouri resident who drives all around Mid-Missouri for work, she said Columbia’s gas prices are strikingly higher than some surrounding areas.
Gas analysts confirmed that data.
“If we dive into Columbia specifically, it’s [increase] actually a little bit more pronounced currently sitting on average of $3.20,” Petroleum Analyst Matt McCain said. “That’s up about $0.21 just since yesterday [March 9] and up $0.40 a gallon over the past week, just in the Columbia area. A 65 cent jump in the past month.”
Oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel over the weekend amid ongoing attacks across the Middle East, prompting fuel markets to “rapidly recalibrate” to the threat of prolonged supply disruptions.
Costs are not rising because of low supply, though. U.S. oil comes from domestic production, Canada, and even Missouri. Prices increase because crude oil is traded globally using U.S. dollars.
“As a result, gasoline prices in many states could climb another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week,” De Haan warned in a news release.
Diesel could rise even more dramatically—potentially 35 to 75 cents per gallon. The national average for diesel — used to transport goods that end up on store shelves — jumped nearly 86 cents in the past week to $4.59 per gallon.
Nationwide, gas prices climbed even more sharply in Missouri. Over the past week, gas rose about 51 cents per gallon, now sitting at $3.45 nationwide. That’s up about 54 cents compared to last month and 41 cents from a year ago, GasBuddy reports.
It is worth noting that a large gap has been reported between the cheapest and most expensive gas stations. GasBuddy reports wide price swings across Missouri. The lowest price recorded on Sunday was $2.37, while the highest hit $3.59, a $1.22 difference per gallon.
While the outlook remains uncertain as the U.S./Israeli war with Iran continues, one thing is clear: drivers are already feeling the immediate effects. Experts caution that gas prices may not stabilize anytime soon, but they are monitoring developments.
“French’s President Emmanuel Macron [is] indicating that they are planning to send multiple warships, possibly to the Strait of Hormuz to help safeguard it in order to bring about some calm to the Strait of Hormuz itself. And that may allow oil tankers to begin flowing from the Middle East again, which is exactly what we need to make prices start falling.”
If changes don’t come soon, people like Wagner may have to reconsider their livelihood.
“The higher the gas is, the less money I have for bills,” Wagner said. “I am going to be doing the transportation at least until July, minimum. After that, depends on how much gas prices are.”