Why gas prices are on the rise in the Kansas City area
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — You’ll need to dig a little deeper to pay for your next tank of gas.
Gasoline costs are on the rise around the Kansas City metro to the tune of 30 cents more in the past month, and 14 cents extra in the past week.
Economists remind us it isn’t uncommon for gas costs to jump when spring travel season rolls around.
AAA Missouri said this is the first time gas costs around Kansas City have cost more than $3 per gallon since last November.
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Gas Buddy said Kansas City’s cheapest gas is $2.69 per gallon, and prices top out at $3.29. The average cost for our metro is $3.11, which is still a cheaper by a quarter when compared to the national average of $3.36.
Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA Missouri, points out it’s still that three dollar threshold that gets drivers’ attention. Crude oil prices are up, which make up 60% of the costs at the pump, but Chabarria said it’s typically seasonal supply and demand that drives springtime costs up.
“Temperatures warm up. People are out and about. They come out of hibernation from the winter months. They’re also planning spring break trips. They’re taking spring break trips. That’s going to play a part in gasoline demand nationwide,” Chabarria said Tuesday.
Most drivers FOX4 spoke with on Tuesday said they’ll continue with their spring travels and eat the costs somehow.
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AAA figures suggest Kansas City’s fuel expenses are better than they are in some areas. Missouri ranks tenth in the nation for affordable gas at $3.03 per gallon, and Kansas ranks slightly better in this area at $3.01.
