Gas Prices Dip: Average Price In Dakota County

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Drivers are getting a slight break at the pump as gas prices dip below $5. As of Thursday, the national average price of gas was $4.94, according to AAA.

The average price in Minnesota was $4.729, AAA said. Dakota County's average was slightly below that at $4.71.

Last week, Patch reported that the average price of gas in Dakota County was $4.76, meaning it has gone down 5 cents.

The cost of oil is dropping as well, falling from $122 to $110 per barrel, according to AAA.

“The recent high prices may have led to a small drop in domestic gasoline demand as fewer drivers fueled up last week,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, said. “This dip, coupled with less costly oil, has taken some steam out of surging pump prices. And this is happening right before drivers gas up for what AAA forecasts will be a busy July 4th travel weekend.”

Despite the slight dip, prices are still high. Gas currently costs 37 cents more than a month ago, and $1.89 more than a year ago, AAA said.

Angie Craig, a representative in Dakota County, recently applauded Joe Biden for supporting a national gas tax holiday.

"I know that the American people are struggling to keep up with gas prices, and I share their frustration," Craig said. "Elected officials must come together and use every tool at their disposal to lower prices – including a temporary gas tax holiday which would lower prices by nearly 50 cents per gallon in Minnesota. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures – and I am pleased to see this Administration taking an important step toward delivering much-needed relief at the gas pump."