ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The first big travel weekend of the year is almost here, and gasoline prices are going up.
Memorial Day weekend traditionally launches the travel season, and the expected increase in demand is fueling higher prices at the pumps.
AAA Auto Club's survey shows that the average national price of regular unleaded was $2.36 Thursday, up 3 cents from Wednesday, 8 cents from last week and 30 cents from last month.
In Missouri, the average price was significantly cheaper at $2.19, but that was still up 4 cents from Wednesday, 7 cents from last week and 29 cents from a month ago. Missouri has the nation's second-lowest price. Arizona, at $2.17, is the lowest.
The good news is prices are far better than last year, when the average was $3.81 nationally and $3.63 in Missouri.
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