Where's the Cheapest Gas in the Ladue and Frontenac Area?

This article was written by Patch editor Susan Ruiz Patton with contributions from Kurt Greenbaum.

Click here for a full-screen view of the gas price map. If you don't see a map of our local area, click the magnifying glass in the upper right to enter your address.

While Missouri isn't even in the top 10 most expensive states to buy gas, we're not stupid, right? We're all interested in finding a bargain at the pump. The latest average price for gas in Missouri, according to GasBuddy.com, is $3.525, while the national average is $3.624 a gallon.

In past years, prices have declined heading into early summer as oil refineries produced more gasoline to meet expected summer driving demand. This year, though, Midwest refineries haven't been able to produce as much gas, which has pushed up prices.

AAA had predicted a nationwide low of $3.20-$3.40 per gallon during the summer, but as of June 14, the national average was $3.62. And in spite of the recent rise in prices, the AAA predicts the price of gas should dip below $3.50 by the end of the month, if oil refinery production conditions continue to improve.  

While you can't control the price at the pump, you might be able to control how much gas your car burns. AAA offered these tips:

• Properly inflate your tires
• Avoid flooring the accelerator and slamming on the brakes
• Drive the speed limit
• Keep up-to-date on routine vehicle maintenance