South Dakotans are seeing a slight drop in gas prices this week. The average price across the state for a gallon of regular gasoline is about $3.52. The national average stands about six cents higher. Marilyn Buskohl with AAA South Dakota says things like refinery problems or switching to summer blends cause the big jumps in price. She says citizens are fortunate gas prices haven’t seen a dramatic increase like last year.
“Well, last year actually in the state of South Dakota we were five cents higher than we are this year. Last year, gas prices were really high. By May 22 last year, we were paying $3.96 for a gallon of unleaded regular. I’m hoping we won’t see gas prices anywhere near those numbers,” Buskohl says.
Buskohl says she anticipates about a 10 to 15 cent rise in unleaded regular gas prices before the summer driving season hits. She says by Memorial weekend they should level off. Buskohl says prices alter so much because the crude oil market is so volatile it’s hard to predict.