High Missouri gas prices could climb higher amid conflict in Middle East

Keriana Gamboa

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

According to gas prices on AAA, some Missouri counties are seeing lower prices at the pump than the national average.

But with Israel’s attack on Iran and the subsequent retaliation, they could climb higher.

Friday’s report from AAA shows the national average is $3.13, while Missouri is reporting its average at $2.83.

However, crude oil prices surged more than $5 a barrel on Friday, following heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Crude oil is a natural resource extracted from the ground and refined into essential fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. It is traded on global markets and plays a critical role in determining energy prices worldwide.

AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria said the geopolitical uncertainty could lead to a short-term spike in prices.

“Any time there’s a disruption, you know, with, again, potential geopolitical conflicts like we’re seeing, that’s going to cause prices to come up,” said Chabarria.

Israel struck Iran’s nuclear program and other targets early Friday. By the end of the day, Iran had retaliated with a massive missile strike on Israeli cities.

The conflict has sparked fears of a regional conflict in the Middle East, which provides much of the world’s crude.

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