Check Minnesota gas prices today for regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel fuel. The price tool below shows AAA-sourced daily averages, recent price movement, and a fill-up cost estimate for drivers across the North Star State.
What Affects Minnesota Gas Prices?
- Extreme winter cold requiring specialized winter fuel blends and anti-gel diesel additives
- High availability and blending of ethanol (E10, E15, E85) due to massive local corn production
- Heavy commuter demand in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Twin Cities metro area
- Long delivery distances to remote, rural communities in the northern woods and along the Canadian border
- Commercial trucking and agricultural freight demand along the I-35, I-90, and I-94 corridors
- Minnesota’s state motor fuel tax and local distribution fees
Minnesota Gas Prices by Fuel Type
- Regular: The standard baseline fuel (typically blended with 10% ethanol) for most daily commuters.
- Mid-grade: Recommended for older high-compression engines or vehicles towing campers to the Boundary Waters.
- Premium: Necessary for luxury, turbocharged, or high-performance vehicles to prevent engine knocking.
- Diesel: Tracks closely with commercial freight, agricultural transport, and heavy-duty trucking across the state.
Minnesota Gas Prices vs Nearby States
Regional borders in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains create noticeable price shifts. When planning cross-state trips, keep these comparisons in mind:
- Wisconsin gas prices and Iowa gas prices often differ due to varying state taxes and local ethanol blending incentives.
- North Dakota gas prices and South Dakota gas prices fluctuate based on their respective pipeline access, oil production dynamics, and regional demand.
- Prices can be higher or lower depending on daily supply routes from regional refineries and local municipal fees.
Tips for Getting Better Gas Prices in Minnesota
- Compare station prices in Minneapolis or St. Paul before heading onto rural stretches of I-94 or US-53.
- Look for stations offering E15 (Unleaded 88) or E85, which are widely available in Minnesota and often cost less than standard E10.
- Fill up your tank before driving through remote, forested areas in northern Minnesota or near the Canadian border.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during extreme Midwest winter cold when pressure drops rapidly.
- Plan your diesel and fuel stops along major freight corridors before long commercial or harvest-season hauls.
- Avoid unnecessary idling to warm up your car; modern engines only need 30 seconds before driving in the cold.
Minnesota Gas Price FAQs
What is the average gas price in Minnesota today?
The current daily averages for regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel are displayed in the dynamic tool at the top of this page.
Why do Minneapolis and Duluth gas prices differ?
Minneapolis benefits from high station density and close proximity to regional pipeline terminals, while Duluth faces higher transport costs and relies on Great Lakes marine shipping and different regional supply networks.
Does Minnesota use special gasoline blends?
Minnesota generally uses standard federal EPA fuel blends, but it is a major ethanol-producing state. Standard regular unleaded is typically E10, and many stations offer E15 and E85, which can be cheaper alternatives for compatible vehicles. Specific winter-grade formulations are also required during extreme cold.
Is diesel included in Minnesota gas price data?
Yes, the tool tracks Minnesota diesel prices alongside unleaded options, which is essential for commercial truckers, agricultural transport, and heavy-duty pickups navigating the state’s freight corridors.
Why can rural areas in northern Minnesota cost more at the pump?
Stations in remote northern towns and near the Boundary Waters face less local competition and higher overhead costs for fuel delivery over long, difficult routes from major Twin Cities distribution hubs.