Mitchell motorists grumbling over high gas prices

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Mitchell motorists are getting cranky.

Gasoline prices have fallen in other areas, but Mitchell-area drivers aren’t getting a taste of those low numbers.

At an average of $3.357 for a gallon of unleaded gas, Mitchell’s prices Friday were higher than the statewide average of $3.335 and the national average of $3.286.

Other average prices Friday included $3.348 in Rapid City, $3.166 in Sioux Falls and $3.229 in Yankton.

Mark Madeja, spokesman with the Sioux Falls office of AAA, said he would also like to know what’s going on with prices.

“It’s very much an enigma, and it’s something retailers usually don’t like to talk about. I would love to know why lower prices have not reached some of the non-metro areas,” he said.

With the summer driving season over and the home heating season yet to get into full swing, Madeja said late autumn is typically the best time of the year for low gas prices.

A Mitchell motorist tipped The Daily Republic last week that gas was selling for $3.07 a gallon in Sioux Falls.

Gary Gjesdal, of rural Plankinton, on Friday reported some Sioux Falls gas prices at $2.999, $3.040 and $2.979.

He was annoyed by Mitchell’s higher numbers.

“I like to keep business local,” Gjesdal said, “but loyalty goes both ways.”

Dawna Lietzke, executive director of the South Dakota Petroleum and Propane Marketers Association, said her role as an industry spokeswoman doesn’t allow her to discuss specific prices, but she said multiple factors — from transportation costs to credit card fees — can affect the cost of a gallon of gas.

She did mention, in a side note, that diesel fuel supplies are improving following shortages in recent months.

Tags: gas prices, news, state, local