Minnesota Gas Prices Fall Below $3 per Gallon

BURNSVILLE, MN., (December 16, 2022) – The average gas price in Minnesota has dropped more than 60 cents and is now back below $3 a gallon for the first time nearly 17 months. Today’s average, according to AAA, is $2.99.  The last time Minnesota prices were this low was July 2021.  Six months ago, on June 15, the state average hit a record high of $4.75.

“Pump prices are plunging primarily because of a big drop in the price of crude oil, which directly lowers the cost of producing gasoline. The US price for oil was slashed by more than 20% on global concerns about an economic recession,” says Meredith Mitts, spokeswoman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “In addition to that, pump prices are also facing downward pressure as gasoline supplies have strengthened and winter weather has resulted in less driving.”
 

For additional information on gas prices, visit www.gasprices.aaa.com.

Currently, Winona County has the lowest average prices for the state at $2.75 and Becker County and Koochiching County have the highest prices at $3.18.

Year-End Holiday Travel

AAA estimates that 112.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home from December 23 to January 2. That’s an increase of 3.6 million people compared to last year and marks the 2022 year-end holiday season as the third busiest since AAA began tracking in 2000. Nationwide, 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destination.

“Although AAA anticipates a surge in road travel during the holidays, this shouldn’t cause pump prices to spike,” Mitts continues. “Refiners prepare for the surge in fuel demand this time of year, so gas prices should remain low through the holidays unless oil prices rebound unexpectedly.”

AAA Advice for Auto Travelers

• Leave early so you are not in a rush.
• Watch the weather. Consider alternate routes or adjust your departure time to avoid driving through bad weather.
• Never drive distracted. Pre-program your GPS and put the cellphone down while driving.
• Slow down. Make sure you are driving a speed reasonable for the weather. If visibility is poor, or the roads are slick, slow down.  
• Wear your seat belt and never drive impaired.

AAA Expects to Rescue nearly 899,000 stranded motorists

Nearly 899,000 drivers will need AAA roadside assistance during the 11-day holiday period. The most common reasons are for dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA encourages drivers to get a full vehicle inspection before hitting the road – checking everything from your tires to brakes, lights, and wiper blades. You can find a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities at AAA.com/AutoRepair.

Ensure your vehicle has an emergency kit. This should include jumper cables, a first-aid kit, car/portable phone charger(s), flashlight with extra batteries, shovel and ice scraper or snow brush, warm dry clothes and winter gear, traction aid, blankets, and drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car. Click here to view a full list of items. 

AAA Reminds Drivers to ‘Move Over for Me’

Being stuck on the roadside will be especially dangerous during the holidays, due to the influx of auto travelers and the potential for impaired drivers. AAA reminds motorists to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks. And although Minnesota law does not currently require it, AAA also urges drivers to move over for disabled vehicles on the roadside. In Iowa, disabled vehicles are covered by the law the same way first responders and tow trucks are.

“Whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle, when you see flashing lights please move over,” said Mitts. “We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers and first responders make it home safely for the holidays.”