South Dakota Fuel Prices Continue Steady Climb
If you’re paying attention at the gas pump, it’s no surprise that prices are creeping higher. Enjoy the under $2 per gallon price while it lasts.
Springtime usually brings a stronger demand for fuel as a general rule which is causing pump prices to increase. In the latest AAA South Dakota survey, the statewide average is $1.98 per gallon. Thus it won’t be long until the average price leaves sub $2 territory.
Vermillion consistently has seen the lowest prices in the state through the winter months and returns to that distinction with a mark of $1.84 per gallon of gasoline. Across the state, Rapid City ranks number 2 which is a welcome rank after being generally higher than average over the past 90 days.
Half of the ten South Dakota cities surveyed were above the $2 threshold compared to only two last week. Watertown ranked highest with an average price of $2.10 per gallon. Spokeswoman Marilyn Buskohl of AAA South Dakota says in a press release that the seasonal rise is quite normal.
“We’re back to supply and demand basics. Gas prices tend to reach their highest levels of the year in the spring before the summer driving season. As the weather turns warmer and days grow longer, people tend to drive more, which results in increased demand. But this increase in demand comes at the same time many refineries conduct maintenance to prepare equipment for the busy summer driving season, which leads to a temporary decline in fuel production. In addition, refineries also begin to transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce.”
Compared to last month, most every outpost is about $0.15 to $0.30 higher. In addition, one year ago the average price in the state was $2.36 for fuel in South Dakota.
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