The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.515 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country can expect to pay at the pump, though actual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and the type of gas station. For households that drive frequently or own larger vehicles, costs at this level continue to put noticeable pressure on weekly budgets.
Prices edged down slightly from last week, falling by half a cent to reach the current average. While that small weekly dip offers minimal relief, the bigger story is the monthly trend, which shows prices have climbed by more than 45 cents over the past 30 days. That increase reflects a combination of rising crude oil costs, seasonal demand shifts as summer driving picks up, and ongoing tightness in domestic fuel supplies.
The gap between the most and least expensive states remains striking. Drivers in California are paying $6.151 per gallon, with Washington at $5.778 and Hawaii at $5.635 also ranking among the highest in the nation. Meanwhile, Texas offers the lowest average at $3.975, followed closely by Mississippi at $3.993 and Louisiana at $3.999. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive state averages exceeds two dollars per gallon, a difference that adds up quickly for frequent drivers.
Looking ahead to next week, the direction of crude oil prices will be the key factor to watch. If oil markets stay stable or soften, pump prices could hold steady or inch downward. However, any supply disruptions, refinery outages, or spikes in travel demand could push averages higher. Drivers in states already above the national average should be especially attentive to local market conditions in the coming days.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.