Residents of rural Missouri, particularly in north central areas like Chariton County, are paying more at the pump than their counterparts in Kansas City. With gas prices in north central Missouri ranging from $2.86 to $2.92 per gallon, and Kansas City enjoying prices as low as $2.56 to $2.99, averaging around $2.91, many are questioning the fairness of this disparity. In rural communities, Casey’s General Stores, headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, appears to be the primary price setter, with fewer competitors like Breaktime and virtually no QuikTrip stations in central Missouri. Are rural Missourians subsidizing cheaper gas in Kansas City? Could this be price gouging, where retailers charge higher prices in rural areas to offset urban discounts? This article examines a decade of data, regional dynamics, expert insights, and contact information for key players like Casey’s to explore why rural Missouri pays more and whether this reflects unfair pricing practices.
Missouri Gas Prices: Urban vs. Rural Divide
Missouri’s average gas price was $2.86 per gallon in April 2025, according to AAA, with recent data suggesting stability through July. Regional differences are stark. Kansas City, Missouri’s largest metro area, offers some of the state’s lowest prices, with stations like QuikTrip at 3319 ...
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