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State profile · Minnesota

Why is gas cheaper in Minnesota?

Minnesota's gasoline averages $3.10 a gallon, $0.28 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 32 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Minnesota stations.

#36 of 50Democratic control−$0.28 vs U.S.
Average price · Jan–May 2026 $3.10/gal AAA regular-grade retail
National rank #36 of 50 states
vs national average −$0.28 8% below U.S. avg
5-year change +$0.56 since Jan–May 2021

What you're paying for

dollars per gallon, estimated June 2026
Base costs$2.78
Crude oil cost$1.74
Refining$0.48
Distribution & marketing$0.38
Federal excise tax$0.18
Minnesota policy adds$0.32
State excise + sales tax$0.32
The takeaway

Minnesota pays about $0.28 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by ample regional fuel supply.

Policy environment
State + local gas tax (total)31.9 ¢/gal
Carbon program on motor fuelNo
State-specific fuel blendNo
Political control
Today: Divided government
Governor and Senate D; House R
Years D, 2001–2025: 4 of 25
Years R, 2001–2025: 0 of 25
Years split: 21 of 25
Blue: unified D · Gray: split
How Minnesota compares

Against its neighbors

Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.

#36   Minnesota
$3.10
#38   South Dakota
$3.06
#39   Nebraska
$3.06
#43   North Dakota
$3.01
#44   Missouri
$2.99
#46   Iowa
$2.98
Ten-year history

Price over time

Minnesota  U.S. average

$1.98$2.67$3.36$4.05201720192021202320252026
Common questions

Minnesota, explained

Why does gas cost about $3.10 a gallon in Minnesota?

Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Minnesota's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.38 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 32 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.28 below the national average of $3.38.

How much of Minnesota's gas price is taxes?+

Minnesota charges about 32 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 16% of the $3.10 pump price.

Does Minnesota have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+

No. Unlike California and Washington, Minnesota does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.

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