Missouri below national average of gas prices, Callaway higher than Missouri average

(AP file photo)
(AP file photo)

Drivers planning to travel for Thanksgiving can expect to pay less at the pump this week.

According to AAA, the average price of gas per gallon in Missouri was $3.247 yesterday, which was below the national average of $3.662. Callaway County was above the average Missouri price however, with the average price at $3.481.

The average gas price for Missouri in October was $3.431, according to AAA. The national average for October was $3.820.

AAA said in a release that this year's Thanksgiving will have the highest national average price since records began in 2000. Missouri is currently the 10th least expensive state for gasoline in the country, according to a release. Texas is currently the cheapest, with the average price being $2.99.

Missouri's lower average gas price will be helpful to those travelling for Thanksgiving. Nationally, a predicated 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from this Thanksgiving, according to a AAA release. This is an increase of 1.5% compared to 2021.

Of the 54.6 million projected, nearly 49 million people will travel by car. This is an increase of .4% from 2021 but a decrease of 2.5% compared to 2019, according to a release.

2022 is projected to be the third busiest year for Thanksgiving travel, with 2005 and 2019 being the busiest.

AAA published a list of the best and worst times to travel by car for Thanksgiving.

• On Nov. 23, 11 a.m-8 p.m. is the worst time to travel. Before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. is the best time to travel.

• On Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. is the worst time to travel. Before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. is the best time to travel.

• On Nov. 25-27, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. is the worst time to travel. Before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. is the best time to travel on the 25 and 27, with travel before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m. recommended on the 26.