Minnesota gas prices remain below national average despite recent uptick

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(The Center Square) – Gas prices in Minnesota are more than 30 cents lower than the national average, according to the most-recent data, but still rising.

While still seeing a slight increase overnight, the current average in the state for regular unleaded is $3.99. Nationally, the average is $4.30.

This comes as states across the Midwest record some of the highest prices for gas in years, according to GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Patrick De Haan.

“Gas prices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin are now at their highest levels since summer 2022, and are approaching new all-time records,” De Haan said Thursday morning.

Part of the increase in oil prices stems from ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as tensions and disputes between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, AAA previously told The Center Square.

Minnesota is faring better than many other Midwest states though.

The current statewide average for regular unleaded is just $0.05 higher than yesterday’s, compared to Michigan’s $0.33 increase overnight. Still, Minnesota’s average is up from $3 a year ago.

Across the state, Waseca County is seeing the highest average at $4.09, while Big Stone County has the lowest average at $3.60.

Minnesota is also expected to see some fallout from the jump in the Great Lakes states, according to De Haan.

“Price increases could bleed into neighboring regions, including KY, MN, IA, MO, NE, KS, but it won’t be anything like Great Lakes states,” he said on Wednesday.

Mid-grade fuel is averaging $4.39 per gallon, while premium stands at $4.89. Diesel, which has seen some of the sharpest increases in recent months, is currently averaging $5.07 per gallon—a 47% increase from the diesel average of $3.44 a year ago.

This is all according to AAA.