Joplin Prices Up But Drivers Paying Less At The Pump as National Gas Prices Surge Past $4

JOPLIN, Mo. — While the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline climbed to $4.119 today, drivers in the Joplin area are paying substantially less — around $3.39 per gallon.

That puts Joplin motorists about 73 cents below the U.S. average, offering a welcome break amid broader price pressures fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil costs.

The national average has jumped sharply in recent weeks, crossing the $4 threshold for the first time since 2022 and rising more than 80 cents from a year ago. As of April 6, AAA reported the figure at $4.119, up slightly from yesterday and reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Missouri’s statewide average sits at a more moderate $3.559, still well below the national mark but higher than Joplin’s local prices.

In the Joplin metro area, the current average for regular gas hovers near $3.39, making it one of the more affordable spots in the region and the state. Nearby Springfield has seen similarly competitive pricing in recent months, while larger Missouri cities like St. Louis typically pay more.

As summer driving season approaches, the contrast between Joplin’s $3.39 pumps and the nation’s $4.12+ reality serves as a reminder of how localized markets can provide relief — at least temporarily — during periods of national strain.