As temperatures rise, gas prices fall nationwide

Prices at the pump keep plunging as summer draws closer, with some states now recording average regular gas prices below $3 a gallon.

Missouri is not among them, with an average of $3.08 a gallon, though drivers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas can enjoy state averages between $2.94 and $2.97 per gallon. Even California, long home to averages above the $5 range, has seen prices dip to an average of $4.93, though it is still the highest average in the country.

With all these cheaper prices, it is no surprise the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now just $3.45 a gallon, down some 14 cents since last week.

For a gallon of diesel, drivers can expect to pay an average of $3.79 nationally and $3.39 in Missouri.

County averages Monday (per AAA)

* Cape Girardeau: $3.09;

* Perry: $3.03;

* Scott: $3.16.

Price ranges Monday (per GasBuddy)

* Cape Girardeau: $2.95 to $2.99;

* Jackson: $2.91 to $2.99;

* Perryville: $2.99 to $3.19;

* Scott City: $3.14.

Do you want more business news? Check out B Magazine, and the B Magazine email newsletter. Go to www.semissourian.com/newsletters to find out more.