Rise in Gas Prices Normal for Now, but Issues Could Deepen

Experts say that the current bump in cost is normal for this time of year, but it is possible that economic policies could make it more difficult for the U.S. to acquire gas.

FARGO, N.D. – People seeing a jump in gas prices shouldn’t be terribly concerned – at least, not yet.

The average gas price in North Dakota has risen to over $3 a gallon – when it was just under that threshold last month.

Experts from AAA say that this is normal for the beginning of March.

As weather warms, demand for gas increases, and many refineries go on hiatus, limiting the supply.

President Trump’s tariffs may increase the cost of gas production, the burden of which could then be passed on to the consumer.

But those analyzing the markets say it’s just too soon to know if that will actually happen.

“Right now, comfortably, we’re looking down the barrel of $3.50 gas this summer. That’s reasonable. It’s in line with what we’ve been paying the past couple of years,” explained Skyler McKinley, Regional Director of Public Affairs for AAA.

He added, “Gas right now in Fargo is about three dollars and two cents. This time last year it was $3.21. So, we’re still doing a little bit better than this time last year, even though there are these broad conversations happening in the background.”

McKinley also says plummeting gas prices are actually a sign of a struggling economy, so that $3.50 range is more in line with healthy economic expectations.