A press release from AAA shows that drivers in Columbia are paying more for gas this upcoming holiday weekend than anyone else in the state.

The average price of fuel at Columbia gas stations is $2.98 per gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to AAA. The statewide average is $2.87 per gallon, while the national average is $3.19. The state average is 34 cents lower than the same day last year and the national average is 42 cents lower, according to the release.

The lowest prices in the state can be found in Joplin at $2.78 per gallon. Information provided by AAA shows that Jefferson City and Kansas City are sitting at $2.94 per gallon and are at 45-cent and 17-cent decreases from a year ago, respectively.

St. Louis is seeing prices at $2.88 per gallon, which is 30 cents lower than last year, the report shows. Cape Girardeau is at an average of $2.82, which is 39 cents lower than last year.

The release says the price decreases are from a result of “declining crude oil prices and healthy gasoline supply.” The release also says that gas demand decreased from 8.79 barrels per day last year to 8.64 million.

The release says this is the lowest Memorial Day gas prices since 2021.

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here .