Why Some Minnesota Drivers Are Now Overpaying for Gas

Gas prices in Minnesota are officially on the rise again, and some analysts predict we could be shelling out nearly $5 a gallon later this summer. So the help ease that pain at the pump, here's a heads up about something you might be doing that could be draining your bank account to the tune of $600 a year!

Minnesota Gas Prices Are Climbing Fast Again

Thanks to the Trump administration's ongoing war with Iraq, gas prices have been soaring over the past month. AAA Minnesota says we're paying about 40 cents to 55 cents more per gallon now than we were a year ago.

With current prices averaging around $3.58 to $3.74 a gallon and year-ago averages around $3.18 to $3.19, that means filling a typical 15-gallon tank costs roughly $6 to $8 more than it did last spring. And if you fill up once a week, you're shelling out an extra $20 to $30 dollars a month right now.

The Most Expensive Mistake Minnesotans Make at the Pump

But, according to AAA, there is another mistake some of us make while buying gasoline-- and it could be costing you some serious cash. So what's the most expensive mistake we make while filling up at the pump?

ALSO INTERESTING: Tiny Spot Now Has the Best Breakfast in the Entire State of Minnesota

It's buying premium gas. And, yeah, it's way more expensive than regular unleaded, which is expensive enough these days. Prices spiked earlier this spring after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, and are now up 50 cents a gallon or more from just a month ago.

But here's the thing. This NBC news story from KARE-11 says that even if your car's instruction manual (or note on your gas cap) says that premium gasoline is 'recommended' for your car, it doesn't really need it. Sure, there are some cars requiring premium gasoline, but those cars are in the minority, the story said.

Get our free mobile app

Why Most Cars Don’t Need Premium Gas

In fact, 84% of cars don't need premium fuel, but people are still buying it anyway. And, the average driver could save around $600 a year if they switched from premium fuel to regular, the story said.

Luckily, I've never been able to afford one of those expensive, fancy cars that require premium gasoline, so this hasn't been an issue for me. Of course, if you're one of the Minnesotans who can afford to buy an expensive car, paying extra for premium gasoline likely isn't a problem. And keep scrolling to see how little gas cost the year you started driving!