IOWA CITY – It is a question we get a lot here at KCRG-TV 9 News: Why is gas 30 cents less per gallon in Des Moines than in eastern Iowa? Well, today we have some answers for you.

Maybe you have noticed gas prices have fallen quite a bit the last month. It is $2.85 Friday in Johnson County. That is 28 cents less than a month ago. The Department of Natural Resources says the decline across the state averages more than 10-percent. But it varies in different cities. The DNR reports Des Moines prices fell 14-percent this month. But here in Johnson County, the drop is less than 6-percent. What gives?

According to the DNR, gas in Illinois is usually more expensive than in Iowa. We’re closer to Illinois than Des Moines is, so we feel that increase more.

The other issue involves the Magellan Pipeline. It is not pumping gas to Johnson County. There is a gas shortage in Kansas. Fuel is going to Des Moines, but not Johnson County. So companies here have to drive clear out to Des Moines and back. The transportation cost is passed on to the rest of us.

There are two reasons why gas is more expensive in eastern Iowa than in the western half. And the DNR says there is nothing you can do about the price. But the DNR says you can control your own gas usage. It recommends keeping your tires at the proper pressure and changing the oil regularly. Proper maintenance can increase your gas mileage.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com