Missouri was among the top 10 states last year that saw the largest seasonal jump at the gas pump between mid-February and Memorial Day.
And gas price observers said that's likely to happen again this year.
GasBuddy.com said prices are about to get pumped up, eventually climbing to the year's highest levels as refineries across the nation are preparing for maintenance season and the seasonal switch to cleaner burning gasoline, a tradition despised by many.
Missouri went up 74 cents during this same time in 2016.
The hikes are due to summer's more expensive blend of gasoline, required by the Environmental Production Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air Act, as well as refinery maintenance work lasting several months that causes gasoline production to drop, creating a pinch at the pump. Last year, the national average jumped 69 cents during this season, from a low of $1.69 to a high of $2.39. In 2015, the increase was even larger (78 cents) from a low of $2.03 to a high of $2.81 per gallon.
"While I remain optimistic this year will not bring a 'running of the bulls,' we're likely to see some major increases at the gas pump as the seasonal transition and refinery maintenance get underway," said Dan McTeague, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "Overall, most areas will see peak prices under $3 per gallon, and while that's far under prices a few years ago, watching prices surge every spring certainly brings heartburn with it."