DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowans can soon fill up by the half-gallon at some gas stations around the state.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture has decided to allow half-pricing because there are many pumps in Iowa which aren't equipped to go over $3.99 a gallon. The department issued an order on Tuesday approving the change.

It estimates about 5% to 8% of the state's 34,000 gas pumps have the older meters.

Agriculture Department spokesman Dustin Vande Hoef says those stations must get replacement meters by July 1, 2009.

In the meantime, stations will be allowed to sell gas by the half-gallon. They must still post the price by the gallon - and make the changes very clear at the pumps.

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