The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.125 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country can expect to pay at a typical gas station, though actual prices at the pump vary widely depending on location, station brand, and local taxes. For a driver with a 15-gallon tank, a full fill-up at the national average currently costs just under $62.
Prices have been largely stable over the past seven days, with the national average rising just six-tenths of a cent compared to last week. The bigger story is the monthly trend, where prices have climbed nearly 50 cents per gallon over the past 30 days. That increase reflects a combination of factors including rising crude oil costs, seasonal demand shifts as summer driving season gets underway, and refinery transitions to summer-blend fuel formulations, which are more expensive to produce.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive states remains significant. Drivers in California, Hawaii, and Washington are paying between $5.39 and $5.89 per gallon, with California topping the national list at $5.893. Those higher prices are driven by state fuel taxes, stricter environmental fuel requirements, and higher distribution costs. On the other end of the scale, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska all come in well below the national average, with Oklahoma the least expensive at $3.443 per gallon, nearly $2.45 cheaper than California.
Next week, drivers should watch for any movement in crude oil futures markets, which remain sensitive to global supply decisions and geopolitical developments. Domestic refinery output and any early signs of demand changes heading into peak summer travel months will also be worth tracking. If the monthly upward trend continues at its current pace, the national average could approach or exceed $4.20 per gallon within the next two to three weeks.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.