Drivers across the region are seeing a rare dip at the pump. GasBuddy forecasts that average U.S. gas prices could fall below $3 per gallon this year for the first time since before the pandemic.
In South Dakota, the latest survey shows an average of $2.49 per gallon, down 5 cents in a week and 26 cents lower than this time last year. But prices vary dramatically: stations ranged from $2.02 to $3.41 on Jan. 4 — a $1.39 difference.
Some Rapid City drivers say the gap between West River and East River prices is frustrating, noting Sioux Falls stations as low as $1.98.
Nationally, GasBuddy projects motorists will spend $11 billion less on fuel this year. How much of that savings reaches local drivers will depend on taxes, distribution costs, and regional pricing.
