ST. LOUIS, Mo. (WSIL) -- Illinois consumers are only seeing a slight decrease in the price of fuel in some areas compared to where it was at this time last week.
Missouri drivers are seeing a drop in gas prices as the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel is now $2.85, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch.
This price reflects a decrease of five cents from last week and 49 cents from last year. Jefferson City drivers face the highest prices at $2.98, while St. Joseph drivers enjoy the lowest at $2.69 per gallon. Nationally, the average price is $3.17, also down six cents from last week, said AAA Gas Prices.
As spring break travel ends, reduced demand is contributing to the decline in gas prices. With crude oil prices lower than in recent years, drivers might benefit from further decreases as summer nears.
West Texas Intermediate crude closed at $62.47 a barrel, rising $1.14. Crude oil inventories in the U.S. increased by 0.5 million barrels, though they remain 6 percent below the five-year average, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Below are area prices according to AAA...
