Gas prices higher in western ND oil patch

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — Residents of western North Dakota's oil patch are wondering why they pay higher prices for gas than people who live in the eastern part of the state.

The Dickinson Press reports (http://bit.ly/K1ADsR ) that prices in western North Dakota are as much as 50 cents a gallon higher than in cities farther east.

Jane Corey of Dickinson says she wonders why gas is priced higher in an area that produces so much oil.

Fargo AAA spokesman Gene LaDoucer says supply and demand play a role. He says gasoline for western North Dakota is supplied by a refinery in Mandan, while four refineries supply fuel to eastern North Dakota.

LaDoucer says there are also more gas stations in eastern North Dakota, so competition drives down prices.

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Information from: The Dickinson Press, http://www.thedickinsonpress.com

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