$3.00 A Gallon Gas Is Here and Even Lower Demand Won’t Help Prices

I was somewhat surprised when I saw gas for $3.04 at the Murphy Mart yesterday evening. Although I shouldn't have been. Prices have been slowly going up the past several weeks, but I just didn't think they'd hit three bucks. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they'll come down anytime soon.

Checking AAA Gas Prices, they say the average gas price in Missouri is $3.13 a gallon. That's still cheaper than the national average which is sitting at $3.40 a gallon. Most prices in Sedalia are slightly higher than the Missouri average. Most stations are charging $3.19. Gas is a little cheaper in Warrensburg, with most of the stations charging $3.09. This is according to the Gas Buddy website.

AAA Gas Prices say increases at the pump should be slowed by decreased demand, however, elevated crude oil prices will keep gas prices rising as long as oil is above $80 dollars a barrel. At the end of Thursday, oil was $82.81 per barrel.

So how can you make that tank of gas last longer? Especially now that we're getting into colder weather. According to FuelEconomy.gov:

• Drive the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly when driving over 50 mph. So maybe avoid doing 80 mph on Highway 50.
• Reduce wind drag on your vehicle by getting rid of things like cargo racks, bike racks, and other accessories.
• Clean out your vehicle including the cargo area. Get rid of that extra weight in your vehicle.
• Using cruise control and maintaining a constant speed will save you gas.
• Avoid excessive idling.
• Parking your vehicle in your garage.
• Not warming your vehicle up for a long period. Most vehicles will warm up faster and reach their peak operating efficiency if you start driving it. Many manufactures recommend driving off gently after warming up the vehicle for about 30 seconds.
• Maintaining proper tire inflation.
• Not using the defroster or butt warmers more than necessary.

What they say goes up, must come down. And gas prices can't come down soon enough.

Read on to see how much gas prices were the year you were born. And remember, gas may have been cheaper. Vehicles may have been cheaper. But of course, we all took home less money too.