Gas prices are on the rise here at home and across the country. Unfortunately experts at AAA in South Dakota say these prices could stick around or climb even higher.
Marilyn Buskohl with AAA South Dakota says there are a few factors that are causing our gas prices to climb. She says the price of crude oil is climbing and domestic ethanol is more expensive because of the Midwestern drought. She also says there has been an increase in demand due to the summer driving season.
Comparing South Dakota to the rest of the country AAA says, there are 21 states with higher gas prices than South Dakota.
Also AAA says last year at this time we were paying $3.72 in South Dakota and the National average was at $3.66. Overall Buskohl says we're still lower than last year.
AAA says unfortunately, they do expect gas prices to climb until after Labor Day. They say after Labor Day refineries will be transitioning to less expensive fuel blends and the summer driving season ends which should help gas prices to come down. Buskohl says AAA expects gas prices to stay relatively flat or increase through Labor Day.
According to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report, the current National Average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.64. A week ago the average was $3.52, a month ago $3.38, and one year ago the average was $3.66.
Here in South Dakota AAA says the current average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.63. A week ago the average was $3.58, a month ago $3.51, and a year ago $3.72.
