Gas prices soar throughout Tri-State; national average breaks $4 per gallon

First time since 2008 prices have reached this high
Gas prices on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Thorntons in Fairfield at the corner of Dixie Highway and Ross Road range from $3.799 a gallon for unleaded gas to $4.399 a gallon for super unleaded gas. Diesel fuel is $4.899 a gallon. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF

Gas prices on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Thorntons in Fairfield at the corner of Dixie Highway and Ross Road range from $3.799 a gallon for unleaded gas to $4.399 a gallon for super unleaded gas. Diesel fuel is $4.899 a gallon. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF

The price of regular gasoline broke $4 per gallon (3.8 liters) on average across the U.S. on Sunday for the first time since 2008. In the Tri-State area on Monday, a gallon of unleaded gas hovered in the area of $3.78.

Prices here are expected to keep moving up this week.

During the first full week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price of regular gas rose by almost 41 cents, according to the AAA motor club.

That represents the second largest jump in average national prices in a week, GasBuddy reported.

“As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to evolve and we head into a season where gas prices typically increase, Americans should prepare to pay more for gas than they ever have before,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said in a statement.

The all-time high for average gasoline prices was set in July 17, 2008 at $4.10 per gallon.

Neither President Joe Biden nor Congress has moved to ban the import of Russian oil or place energy sanctions on the country, which could have major global economic repercussions.

On Sunday, California had the highest average price per gallon among U.S. states at $5.29, while Missouri had the lowest at around $3.60.

FIND THE CHEAPEST GAS

There are a few apps that can help drivers search the area for the lowest prices.

- Google Maps: Use the search function to find fueling stations

- Gas Buddy: Free, just plug in a zip code; sign up for alerts

- Gas station and store apps: Places such as Kroger, Circle K, Shell and more have apps you may download to use rewards and save at the pump

- GetUpside: this app helps you save as gas stations, stores and restaurants

This Springfield Marathon station just south of Interstate 70 had gas priced at $3.99 a gallon over the weekend. Prices in the region are lower than the national average, but all prices are rising. BEN McLAUGHLIN/STAFF

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