Gas Price Update — Week of May 25, 2026

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.507 as of this week. That figure puts the cost of a full tank in the mid-to-upper range that most drivers have come to recognize as a financial strain, particularly for those with longer commutes or larger vehicles. For the average American driver filling up a 15-gallon tank, a single trip to the pump currently runs just over $67.

Prices edged down slightly from last week, falling less than a cent to post a change of negative $0.008. While that weekly dip offers minimal relief, the monthly picture tells a more significant story. Gas prices have climbed $0.421 over the past month, meaning drivers are paying noticeably more than they were 30 days ago. That monthly increase likely reflects a combination of rising crude oil costs, seasonal demand shifts as summer driving activity picks up, and refinery transitions to more expensive summer-blend fuel formulations.

The gap between the most and least expensive states remains wide this week. California leads the country at $6.116 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.772 and Hawaii at $5.641. Drivers in those states are paying roughly $2 more per gallon than those in the cheapest markets. Georgia comes in at $3.984, Mississippi at $3.970, and Indiana at the low end with $3.917. That spread of more than two dollars per gallon between the extremes reflects differences in state fuel taxes, environmental regulations, and regional supply infrastructure.

Next week, watch for any movement in crude oil futures, which remain a primary driver of pump prices in the near term. Continued summer demand and any disruptions to refinery output could push the national average higher. If crude prices stabilize or retreat, the weekly trend may continue its modest downward direction, though the broader monthly momentum suggests the overall price environment stays elevated heading into peak summer travel season.