Drivers search for relief as St. Louis gas prices climb toward $5 mark

Motorists across the bi-state area are facing a harsh reality at the pump this week as gas prices continue their steady climb, pushing some local stations to the $5-per-gallon threshold.

According to data from AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas has ticked up two cents, reaching $4.55. The surge comes at a confusing time for many consumers, as oil prices have actually seen a recent drop fueled by optimism surrounding a potential deal with Iran. However, that relief has yet to trickle down to the local level.

In St. Louis, prices are currently averaging $4.30, while across the river in the Metro East, the average is significantly higher at $4.92. At several stations in the Illinois suburbs, drivers are already seeing prices hit $5.00 per gallon.

Finding Savings 

The sticker shock is more than just a nuisance for local residents; it is a financial strain. For some, the search for a cheaper gallon of fuel has become a dedicated mission.

"Ridiculous. Too much," said driver Rich Burgess, who didn't hesitate to act when he heard about a limited-time promotion at Circle K offering up to 40 cents off per gallon. "I don't live far from here, so I got in my car, came here and got some gas... {It's} fantastic. Helps everybody."

Jamaal Harris, a local Circle K employee, noted that the demand for these discounts has been constant. "It has been long lines. It slows down and it picks back up," Harris said. "The customers are excited about this day... With the economy we have today, anything helps."

Beyond one-day flash sales, Harris suggests drivers look into store rewards programs. He says signing up through the Circle K app can provide a baseline savings of 3 cents per gallon, with deeper discounts—up to 20 cents off—for every fifth visit.

The Membership Advantage

Warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco remain a stronghold for those looking to shave pennies off the total. In Maplewood, a steady stream of vehicles lined up at Sam’s Club, where prices routinely undercut traditional gas stations.

Among those waiting was Cool Valley Alderman and former Mayor Floyd Blackwell. Despite the wait, Blackwell said the savings are a necessity.

"I’m hurting," Blackwell said. "I'm trying my best to save every penny I can and this is saving me a few pennies. Although it’s quite expensive, it’s still saving a few pennies."

Blackwell noted that even with the high volume of drivers, he was through the line in less than 10 minutes. "It wasn't too long. It was moving pretty good. People were pretty courteous," he added.

Digital Tools and Maintenance Tips

For those who aren't members of warehouse clubs, several digital platforms are offering competitive discounts:

• Earnify App: Currently allows users to save 5 cents a gallon at participating BP and Amoco stations.

• Amazon Prime: Members can link their Prime accounts to Earnify for a 10-cent discount. Furthermore, through May 29, Prime members can save 20 cents a gallon on Fridays when fueling up via the app.

• Walmart Plus: The service is currently offering a 30-day free trial for new members, which includes a 10-cent discount per gallon.

While hunting for the lowest price is effective, experts also suggest looking at the vehicle itself. Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest ways to ensure a car is getting its maximum fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires can create "drag," forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

When to Fill Up

Timing your trip to the station can also play a role, though the strategy is shifting. Research from Gas Buddy in February suggested that Sundays and Mondays are generally the cheapest days to buy gas, while midweek remains the most expensive.

However, with prices currently trending upward on a daily basis, AAA suggests that if you see a price you can afford, you should take it. Putting off a fill-up might result in paying more if the daily average continues to rise.

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