Lower gas prices mean cheaper holiday road trips

Holiday road trips to visit friends and relatives will be more affordable this weekend for travelers.

The average price for a gallon or gas in Minnesota is $2.70. That's 40 cents lower than a year ago — and the lowest price since December 2010.

"Prices have been declining since we got past the Labor Day holiday," said Gail Weinholzer, spokeswoman for AAA Minnesota/Iowa. "Of course, demand typically decreases by about 10 to 15 percent after Labor Day since people are no longer taking their summer road trips. Along with the fact demand has declined, supply has been very high."

Diesel fuel prices, however, are averaging nearly $4 a gallon across the state. That's about 45 percent more than a year ago. Diesel prices are up because refineries have switched more of their capacity to producing home heating oil for the winter, Weinholzer said.

AAA estimates some 46 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving weekend. That would be the most holiday travelers since 2007.