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Natrona County's average gas price rises slightly, remains Wyoming's cheapest

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Natrona County's average gas price rises slightly, remains Wyoming's cheapest


CASPER, Wyo. — A month-long slide in Natrona County’s average gas price ended in the past week as the average ticked upward a penny as the national average dropped by the same amount.

The nation’s average price of gasoline rose, then fell, and remains just below its week-ago level at $3.13 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data. The national average is up 3.1 cents from a month ago and down 43 cents from a year ago.

The national average price of diesel fell 3.2 cents in the last week to stand at $3.476 per gallon.

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“While the national average didn’t fall quite as far as anticipated for Memorial Day, it was still one of the most affordable since 2021 — and, when adjusted for inflation, among the cheapest in nearly a decade,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As we move into the heart of summer, I believe we’re likely to see a relatively stable stretch for gas prices as refinery maintenance wraps up. Don’t expect the national average to rise above $3.30 per gallon, nor drop much below $3 for now.

“While refining issues on the West Coast are beginning to ease, several factors could still influence prices in the weeks ahead — including growing uncertainty around the upcoming hurricane season. We’ll also be watching OPEC+’s meeting this week to see if they boost oil production again for July as well.”

On Monday, AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.17, up 4 cents from last week. In Wyoming, the average is $3.14, down 1 cent. Natrona County’s average rose 1 cent to $2.84, giving the county the cheapest gasoline in the state for eight weeks in a row.

Laramie and Goshen counties continue to leapfrog each other week to week, jockeying to offer the second and third cheapest averages. Laramie County’s 9-cent drop last week brought its average to $2.94, now the state’s second cheapest average, while Goshen County’s price dropped 1 cent to $2.99, ranking it as the third cheapest, according to AAA.

(AAA graphic)
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The cheapest fuel in Natrona County on Tuesday was $2.69 at Exxon, 1968 E. Yellowstone Highway, followed by $2.75 at multiple gas stations in Casper, according to GasBuddy reports.

Also included in GasBuddy’s report:

OIL PRICES
Ahead of a key OPEC+ meeting where the organization will be weighing another potential production increase, oil prices remained in the low $60 per barrel range as of Tuesday morning. WTI crude was off 62 cents to $60.95 per barrel, down from $62.08 last week, while Brent crude oil was down 54 cents to $64.20 per barrel, down slightly from last Monday’s $64.91 per barrel fetch. While OPEC+ may resort to raising production again, oil markets were also digesting the possibility of President Trump sanctioning Russia for escalating its attacks on Ukraine in recent days, which could impact oil markets, depending on the degree of any potential move. However, with OPEC+ potentially raising oil production, oil markets may see little overall impact.

OIL AND REFINED PRODUCT SUPPLIES
The EIA’s Weekly Petroleum Status Report for the week ending May 16, 2025, showed U.S. oil inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels, about 6% below the seasonal average for this time of year, while the SPR rose 800,000 barrels to 400.5 million. Gasoline inventories rose by 0.8 million barrels and stand 2% below the five-year seasonal average, while distillate inventories rose 0.6 million barrels and are about 16% below the five-year seasonal average. Refinery utilization rose 0.5 percentage points to 90.7%, while implied gasoline demand, EIA’s proxy for retail demand, fell 150,000 bpd to 8.644 million barrels per day.

GAS PRICE TRENDS
The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $2.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week, followed by $2.89, $3.09, $2.79, and $3.19, rounding out the top five most common prices.

The median U.S. gas price is $2.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week and about 14 cents lower than the national average.

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The top 10% of stations in the country average $4.60 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.54 per gallon.

The states with the lowest average prices: Mississippi ($2.62), Louisiana ($2.67), and Alabama ($2.71).

The states with the highest average prices: California ($4.77), Hawaii ($4.46), and Washington ($4.35).

Biggest weekly changes: New Mexico (-11.6¢), Nevada (-9.8¢), California (-8.5¢), Texas (-8.1¢), Utah (-7.8¢)

DIESEL PRICE TRENDS
The most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.49 per gallon, up 10 cents from last week, followed by $3.39, $3.29, $3.19, and $3.59, rounding out the top five most common prices.

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The median U.S. diesel price is $3.39 per gallon, unchanged from last week and about 8 cents lower than the national average.

Diesel prices at the top 10% of stations in the country average $4.75 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.87 per gallon.

The states with the lowest average diesel prices: Texas ($3.01), Louisiana ($3.07), and Oklahoma ($3.08).

The states with the highest average diesel prices: Hawaii ($5.27), California ($5.04), and Washington ($4.60).

Biggest weekly changes: Florida (+9.7¢), Oregon (+8.9¢), Washington (+7.5¢), Texas (-7.4¢), New Mexico (-7.2¢)

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GOP Rep. Harriet Hageman launches Senate run in Wyoming

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GOP Rep. Harriet Hageman launches Senate run in Wyoming


Rep. Harriet Hageman, a Republican, is running for Senate in Wyoming next year, seeking to replace retiring GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who announced last week that she would not ​run for re-election.

Hageman, 63, was elected to be the state’s lone representative in Congress in 2022 after ousting then-Rep. Liz Cheney in a primary. Hageman had Donald Trump’s endorsement against Cheney, a vocal critic of the president, and the congresswoman name-checked the president in her three-minute launch video on Tuesday.

“I stood with President Trump to deliver the largest tax cut in American history, helping working families keep more of their own money,” Hageman said, later adding, “We worked together to secure the border and fund efforts to remove and deport those in the country illegally.”

“We must keep up this fight, and that’s why today I’m announcing my campaign for United States Senate,” Hageman said. “This fight is about making sure the next century sees the advancements of the last while protecting our culture and our way of life. We must dedicate ourselves to ensuring that the next 100 years is the next great American century.”

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Hageman had been eyeing a run for governor, but ultimately decided to run for Senate, noting in an interview with Cowboy State Daily published Tuesday that “it’s important that we have someone who can hit the ground running the moment [Lummis] retires. That’s not the place for on-the-job training.”

Hageman added that Trump is “well aware” that she is running for Senate, and she would welcome his endorsement.

It’s not yet clear if Hageman will face a tough fight for the GOP nomination. There are multiple opportunities for other Wyoming Republicans to run statewide, given the open governor’s race and Hageman’s campaign opening up her at-large House seat.

The winner of the GOP primary would be in a strong position to win the Senate seat in the deep-red state. Trump won Wyoming by nearly 46 percentage points last year. Hageman won her second term in 2024 by 48 points.

Although Wyoming is a solidly Republican state, Hageman faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall earlier this year. She was met with boos as she commented on federal government cuts, the Department of Government Efficiency and the future of Social Security.

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Hageman called the outbursts “over the top” and said, “It’s so bizarre to me how obsessed you are with federal government.” Her adviser dismissed the disruptions as “pre-planned” and “political theater.”



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After Strong Demand, Wyoming Childcare Provider Grants to Reopen in 2026

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After Strong Demand, Wyoming Childcare Provider Grants to Reopen in 2026


A statewide grant program supporting childcare providers drew 90 applications in just two rounds of funding earlier this year. For the Wyoming Interagency Working Group on Childcare, which launched the initiative, the response affirmed that the program is addressing a significant community need. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more.

In 2025, the Wyoming Interagency Working Group on Childcare worked collaboratively to award $183,537 to 24 providers. In an effort to build on that success, the grant program will reopen January 2 with applications closing March 1, 2026. Administered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, grants of up to $20,000 per applicant will be awarded with a renewed focus on communities with the greatest childcare shortages.

Grant awards will be prioritized based on requests from high-needs communities as will be outlined in the application and on the Wyoming Community Foundation’s website, along with plans to increase the number of children and families being cared for and engagement or planned engagement with business support services through the Small Business Development Center. Funding for this round of grantmaking includes the Wyoming Maternal and Child Health Unit, Wyoming Department of Family Services, the Wyoming Community Foundation, and the Business Studio at LCCC.  To apply for a grant or if you have questions about the application process, you can click here.


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Teton Pass closed in both directions due to avalanche, possibly until Tuesday

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Teton Pass closed in both directions due to avalanche, possibly until Tuesday


WILSON, Wyo. — Another complicated day for Teton Pass commuters.

WY22 over Teton Pass is closed in both directions due to avalanche control as of 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, according to an alert issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). WYDOT’s estimated opening time for the road is between noon and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

WYDOT had closed the pass at 3 a.m. Monday for avalanche control. According to a post by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC), a “large explosive triggered avalanche” ended up covering both lanes of the Pass.

“Early this morning, WYDOT crews brought down a large, controlled avalanche at Glory Bowl during their mitigation mission,” the agency posted to Facebook Monday morning. “Due to the extent of the clean up, estimated opening time is between noon and 2 p.m. tomorrow.”

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Photo: WYDOT Teton County on Facebook

WYDOT confirmed to Buckrail that the dense, heavy slide is being addressed by a dozer on Monday morning, and that clearing the snow will take several hours. The agency expects to share an updated opening time estimate as the cleanup unfolds.

According to BTAC’s Monday forecast, high avalanche danger exists in the Tetons.

“Heavy snowfall and strong wind has created very dangerous avalanche conditions on wind loaded middle and upper elevation terrain,” its forecast states.

This is a developing story. Buckrail will provide information as details become available.



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