Minnesota drivers may soon notice slightly higher costs at the pump as the state increases its gas tax. The Minnesota gas tax is rising from 28.5 cents per gallon to 31.8 cents per gallon, adding an extra 3.3 cents per gallon to every fill-up.
While this change may seem small, it can add up over time—especially for commuters, delivery drivers, and families who rely heavily on their vehicles.
What the Gas Tax Increase Means
The gas tax is a fee added to every gallon of fuel sold in the state. When the tax rises, gas stations often pass that cost along to consumers, meaning the price you pay per gallon increases.
With Minnesota’s gas tax increasing to 31.8 cents per gallon, drivers will likely see a modest rise in fuel costs, depending on the station and region.
How Much More Will Drivers Pay?
The increase is 3.3 cents per gallon, which means:
A 10-gallon fill-up could cost about 33 cents more.
A 15-gallon fill-up could cost about 50 cents more.
A 20-gallon fill-up could cost about 66 cents more.
Over the course of a year, frequent drivers could see noticeable added expenses.
Why Minnesota Is Raising the Gas Tax
Gas taxes are often raised to help fund transportation needs, such as:
Road repairs and resurfacing
Bridge maintenance
Highway expansion projects
Infrastructure upgrades
Minnesota, like many states, faces ongoing road maintenance challenges due to heavy traffic, harsh winter conditions, and seasonal wear and tear.
What Drivers Can Expect Going Forward
Although the gas tax increase is relatively small, it comes at a time when fuel prices already fluctuate due to national and global market conditions. This means Minnesotans may experience both tax-related increases and price changes driven by supply and demand.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota’s gas tax increase—from 28.5 cents to 31.8 cents per gallon—may not drastically change prices overnight, but it will add slightly more to each trip to the pump. For regular commuters, the impact could become more noticeable over time.
As gas prices continue to shift, Minnesota drivers may want to budget carefully for fuel costs, compare prices between stations, and consider fuel-efficient driving habits to help offset the increase.