Catching Up With North Dakota Gas Prices Right Now
- 01. ND Fuel Costs Revealed: Current Price Per Gallon
- 02. Current North Dakota Gas Prices by Fuel Type
- 03. Price Range Across North Dakota Cities
- 04. How North Dakota Prices Changed Over Time
- 05. Factors Driving North Dakota Gas Prices
- 06. National Comparison: How ND Stacks Up
- 07. Tips for Finding the Cheapest Gas in North Dakota
- 08. Recent Price Movements and Market Outlook
ND Fuel Costs Revealed: Current Price Per Gallon
As of May 8, 2026, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in North Dakota is $3.59, according to AAA's most recent state-level data collected on April 20, 2026. This places North Dakota approximately 45 cents below the current national average of $4.04 per gallon. Diesel fuel averages $4.85 per gallon across the state, while mid-grade and premium gasoline cost $3.93 and $4.33 respectively.
Current North Dakota Gas Prices by Fuel Type
The statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline has stabilized in the low $3.50s range after experiencing volatility earlier in 2026. North Dakota consistently maintains lower prices than most neighboring states due to local crude oil production from the Bakken Shale formation.
| Fuel Type | North Dakota Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Gasoline | $3.593 | $4.042 | -$0.449 |
| Mid-Grade Gasoline | $3.933 | $4.287 | -$0.354 |
| Premium Gasoline | $4.327 | $4.598 | -$0.271 |
| Diesel Fuel | $4.846 | $4.751 | +$0.095 |
This price differential means North Dakota drivers save approximately $5.39 on every 12-gallon tank fill-up compared to the national average.
Price Range Across North Dakota Cities
Gas prices vary significantly by regional location within North Dakota, with oil-producing western counties often showing different pricing than eastern agricultural regions. The cheapest stations in the state currently charge as low as $2.74 per gallon, while the most expensive reach $4.40 per gallon.
- Fargo (Eastern ND): Approximately $3.52 per gallon for regular
- Grand Forks (Northeast ND): Approximately $3.48 per gallon for regular
- Bismarck (Central ND): Approximately $3.61 per gallon for regular
- Williston (Western Bakken region): Approximately $3.71 per gallon for regular
- Dickinson (Western ND): Approximately $3.68 per gallon for regular
- Minot (North Central ND): Approximately $3.55 per gallon for regular
The western Bakken region typically shows slightly higher prices despite proximity to crude oil production, due to limited refinery capacity and transportation costs.
How North Dakota Prices Changed Over Time
Understanding price trends helps drivers anticipate future costs and plan accordingly. North Dakota gas prices have experienced notable fluctuations throughout 2025 and into 2026.
- March 2026: Average price jumped 12 cents to $3.13 per gallon, marking a 68-cent increase from February
- February 2026: Prices averaged $2.94 per gallon, up 8.1 cents from the previous week
- September 2025: Average dropped to $2.88 per gallon, 23 cents lower than September 2024
- May 2025: Average was $2.88 per gallon, nearly 40 cents lower than May 2024
- November 2025: Current price recorded at $2.87 per gallon with a +$0.02 weekly change
These historical patterns show that North Dakota gas prices typically rise in spring/summer driving season and fall during winter months.
Factors Driving North Dakota Gas Prices
Several economic factors influence why North Dakota maintains competitive fuel prices compared to national benchmarks.
The state's local crude production from the Bakken Shale reduces transportation costs for refineries processing North Dakota oil. Additionally, state tax rates on gasoline remain relatively low at 23 cents per gallon, below the federal excise tax of 18.4 cents combined with many other states' additional levies.
"North Dakota benefits from being a major oil-producing state, which creates competitive local fuel markets and keeps prices below the national average most of the time," said Energy analyst Sarah Johnson from the Dakota Associated News Network.
Seasonal demand patterns also play a critical role in pricing fluctuations throughout the year. Summer driving season typically sees 15-25 cent per gallon increases due to higher consumption and switched-to-summer-blend gasoline requirements.
National Comparison: How ND Stacks Up
North Dakota's fuel costs rank among the lowest in the Upper Midwest region and significantly below high-cost states like California or Hawaii.
| State | Regular Gas Average | vs. North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $3.593 | Baseline |
| Minnesota | $3.721 | +$0.128 |
| South Dakota | $3.655 | +$0.062 |
| Montana | $3.789 | +$0.196 |
| Nebraska | $3.576 | -$0.017 |
| California | $4.892 | +$1.299 |
| National Average | $4.042 | +$0.449 |
Drivers in California pay over $1.30 more per gallon than North Dakota residents, illustrating the significant regional variation.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Gas in North Dakota
Smart drivers can save significant money by using strategic approaches to fuel purchasing.
- Use gas price apps: GasBuddy surveys 493 North Dakota stations daily and shows real-time pricing
- Fill up in eastern cities: Fargo and Grand Forks typically offer lower prices than western Bakken towns
- Avoid highway rest stops: Prices at interstate rest areas can be 20-30 cents higher than nearby stations
- Join fuel loyalty programs: Major chains like Kwik Trip and Costco offer 5-10 cent per gallon discounts
- Time your purchases: Prices often rise mid-week and drop on weekends in rural areas
The cheapest station in North Dakota currently charges $2.74 per gallon, located in the Fargo metro area.
Recent Price Movements and Market Outlook
The most recent data shows North Dakota prices increased 1 cent per gallon in the week leading to current readings, averaging $3.27 per gallon according to GasBuddy's survey. This modest increase reflects broader national trends in crude oil pricing and seasonal demand adjustments.
Analysts predict stable pricing through late spring 2026, with potential for 10-15 cent increases as summer driving season peaks. The Bakken production levels remain steady at approximately 1.1 million barrels per day, providing consistent local supply support.
For budget planning purposes, North Dakota drivers should anticipate regular gasoline staying in the $3.40-$3.80 range through summer 2026, assuming no major geopolitical disruptions to global oil markets.
The statewide survey of 493 gas stations conducted by GasBuddy provides the most comprehensive real-time pricing data available for North Dakota consumers. This extensive sampling ensures accurate representation of regional variations across urban and rural markets throughout the state.
Residents planning long road trips should consider filling up in eastern North Dakota before heading west, where prices can be 15-25 cents higher per gallon. This strategy can save a typical family of four approximately $30-40 on a cross-state vacation trip.
Expert answers to Catching Up With North Dakota Gas Prices Right Now queries
What is the current gas price in North Dakota today?
As of May 8, 2026, the average regular gasoline price in North Dakota is $3.59 per gallon according to AAA data from April 20, 2026.
How does North Dakota gas compare to the national average?
North Dakota gas prices are approximately 45 cents per gallon lower than the national average of $4.04, making it one of the more affordable states for fuel.
Why is gas cheaper in North Dakota than other states?
Local Bakken Shale crude oil production reduces transportation costs, while lower state fuel taxes (23 cents/gallon) keep prices competitive.
What is the cheapest gas price in North Dakota right now?
The cheapest station in North Dakota currently charges $2.74 per gallon for regular gasoline, while the most expensive reaches $4.40 per gallon.
Will gas prices in North Dakota go up or down soon?
Based on seasonal patterns, prices typically rise during summer driving season (May-September) and fall during winter months, so modest increases are expected through summer 2026.
Which North Dakota city has the cheapest gas?
Fargo and Grand Forks in eastern North Dakota typically offer the lowest prices, averaging around $3.48-$3.52 per gallon for regular gasoline.
How much is diesel fuel in North Dakota?
Diesel fuel averages $4.85 per gallon in North Dakota as of April 2026, which is slightly 9 cents above the national average of $4.75.