South Dakota drivers are getting a bit of relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall heading into the busy Independence Day travel period.
GasBuddy reports the statewide average price for regular gasoline dropped 8.6 cents over the past week, now sitting at $3.69 per gallon. That’s nearly 46 cents lower than a month ago, though still about 77 cents higher than this time last year.
Across the state, prices vary widely — from $3.07 to $4.47 per gallon — a spread of $1.40 depending on where you fill up.
Nationally, the average price also slipped, down 6.9 cents to $3.78 per gallon. Diesel prices are falling as well.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says easing tensions in the Middle East helped prevent a spike in oil prices. He expects the downward trend to continue, though some states may see brief bumps around the Fourth of July holiday.
For now, South Dakota drivers can expect slightly cheaper fuel as they hit the road for the holiday week.
