(The Center Square) – Gas prices in Minnesota are once again on the rise as tensions continue in the Middle East between Iran and the United States.
After failed peace deal negotiations, which temporarily drove down gas prices, Americans are once again feeling the pinch at the pump.
While gas prices have only increased a couple cents in Minnesota over the past week, they are up nearly 40 cents a gallon from a month ago and more than a dollar from a year ago.
On Wednesday, the state’s average price for regular unleaded stood at $4 per gallon, down from $4.02 on Tuesday and $3.99 a week ago. A month ago, the average was $3.62 per gallon.
This is all according to AAA.
Prices across the nation remain significantly higher than a year ago. Wednesday’s national average for regular unleaded was $4.09, compared to $3.13 last year. Minnesota drivers were paying even less a year ago, averaging about $2.96 per gallon for regular unleaded.
“Current GasBuddy scorecard – Americans today spent $356 million more on gasoline than they did one year ago,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, on Tuesday.
Mid-grade fuel in Minnesota currently averages $4.44 per gallon, while premium stands at $4.93. Diesel averages $5.08 per gallon, up from $4.62 a month ago.
The increases could continue as the conflict in Iran once again escalated this week.
“After Iran’s surprise missile attack overnight, oil returning to a rise,” De Haan said on Wednesday morning.
Nationally, California continues to have the highest average gas prices at $5.65 per gallon, while Indiana has the lowest at $3.47.
Minnesota prices remain in line with many neighboring states. Wisconsin’s average stands at $3.87 per gallon, while North Dakota’s average is $3.91.
Within Minnesota, Brown County posted the highest average at $4.13 per gallon, while Clay County recorded the lowest at $3.60. That is a 50-cent spread across the state.
