Rapid City – Drivers in South Dakota saw a modest decline in gasoline costs this week, but prices are still markedly higher than they were a year ago. According to GasBuddy’s latest survey of 628 stations, the statewide average for regular gasoline dropped 4.6 cents, landing at $4.16 per gallon.
Weekly and monthly price changes
The dip represents an 11‑cent decrease from the previous month’s average. However, when compared with the same week in 2025, the price is up $1.38 per gallon. On October 18, individual station prices ranged from $3.80 to $5.45, a spread of $1.65.
State versus national trends
South Dakota’s average sits just below the national average of $4.24 per gallon. Nationwide, gasoline prices fell 5.5 cents over the past week and 23 cents over the past month, yet they remain $1.26 higher than a year ago.
For context, the year‑over‑year increase is stark when measured against October 19, 2025, when the state’s average was $2.78 per gallon.
Local market snapshots
In Sioux Falls, the average price this week was $4.12 per gallon, a slight 1.7‑cent drop from the prior week. Neighboring states reported similar figures: North Dakota averaged $4.10, while Nebraska’s average was $4.27.
Diesel moves in the opposite direction
While gasoline prices edged down, diesel costs rose. The national diesel average increased by 5.2 cents over the past week, reaching $6.30 per gallon.
Industry perspective
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that gasoline prices declined in most states over the past week. He cautioned, however, that the outlook remains tied to geopolitical developments and global oil markets, suggesting that further volatility is possible.
Consumers can continue to monitor local station prices through GasBuddy’s online tools, which update in real time and allow drivers to locate the lowest‑priced pumps in their area.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
