North Dakota gas price average hits $3.00

FARGO (KVRR) – For the first time in more than six years the average price for a gallon of regular gas in North Dakota has hit $3.00.

AAA North Dakota says the $3.00 average is up 14 cents from a month ago and 90 cents from this time last year.  The price remains 14 cents below the national average of $3.14.  The last time North Dakota motorists paid $3 a statewide average of $3 for gas was Nov. 18, 2014.

“Robust gasoline demand and more expensive oil have pushed gas prices higher,” said Gene LaDoucer, regional AAA Public Affairs Director.  “An increase in crude oil production to meet growing global demand is needed to bring some relief to motorists.”

Fuel prices have moved higher on a sharp increase in the cost of crude oil. Crude oil prices recently traded above $76, a level not seen since November 2014.

AAA says the price for a barrel of oil slipped below $72.00, bringing some hope that prices at the pump may soon peak.

The average price in Minnesota is around $2.98 per gallon.