gas prices

Less expensive crude oil from Canada and North Dakota is easing the pain at the pump for residents of Minnesota and other Midwestern states. The price gap for regular unleaded between Minnesota and California is 75 cents, the biggest between the two states since 2009.

Gas prices have fallen slightly over the past week. Here in the St. Cloud metro area we're paying $3.57 a gallon, that's two cents less than a week ago.

The average price for gas in Minnesota went up 5 1/2 cents in the past week. The statewide average is now $3.54 a gallon. That compares to the national average of $3.64 a gallon. Here in the St. Cloud area we're paying $3.59.

Iran has threatened to cut off oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions are brought against them. It's fueling speculation about a major increase in gas prices here.

A website that watches gas prices is out with some information about what we can expect to pay at the pump in the months ahead. Gasbuddy.com says the average price of gasoline in the U.S. is at $3.26 a gallon.

President Barack Obama has decided to release 30 million barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the release of oil is a response to oil supply disruptions caused by turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, including Libya.

Alert motorist took advantage of some cheaper gas today (Thursday), because of a mistake at a St. Cloud convenience store. The Holiday Store on east St. Germain accidentally set a gallon of regular unleaded at $2.55 -- instead of $3.55.

Gas prices fell in the St. Cloud area this past week, while the statewide average went up. We're paying $3.56 a gallon for regular unleaded at most area gas stations. The statewide average is $3.72.

Here in the St. Cloud Metro Area we're paying about $3.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That's cheaper than the statewide average of $3.70, and the national average of $3.77.

Gas prices fell over the past week. Here in the St. Cloud area most gas stations are selling a gallon of regular unleaded for $3.67.