The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.520 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country can expect to pay at the pump, though actual prices vary significantly depending on location, local taxes, and the mix of fuel grades available in a given area. For a typical driver filling a 15-gallon tank, the national average translates to roughly $67.80 per fill-up, putting consistent pressure on household budgets for millions of Americans who rely on their vehicles for daily commuting and errands.
Prices have moved higher over both the short and medium term. The national average is up $0.063 from last week and has climbed $0.385 compared to one month ago, a meaningful increase that signals a sustained upward trend rather than a brief fluctuation. Rising crude oil costs, increased seasonal demand as spring and summer travel picks up, and the industry's annual transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel formulations are among the main factors pushing prices higher across most of the country.
The gap between the most and least expensive states remains wide. California leads the nation at $6.158 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.762 and Hawaii at $5.650, with high state taxes, stricter fuel standards, and regional supply constraints contributing to those elevated figures. At the other end of the scale, Oklahoma comes in as the cheapest state at $3.946, with Mississippi at $3.984 and Arkansas at $3.998 rounding out the bottom three. Drivers in the cheapest states are paying more than two dollars less per gallon than those in California.
Next week, watch for any movement in crude oil markets, which remain the single largest factor influencing pump prices. Updated inventory reports from the Energy Information Administration will offer fresh data on domestic supply levels, and any significant changes there could either accelerate the current upward trend or provide some relief. Continued strong spring travel demand and weather-related refinery disruptions, if they occur, could push prices higher, while easing crude prices or a demand slowdown would likely apply some downward pressure on the national average.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.