The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $3.860 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country are paying at the pump, though individual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and the blend of fuel required in a given state. For the average American filling up a 15-gallon tank, a trip to the gas station currently costs roughly $57.90.
Prices are moving in a favorable direction for drivers. The national average dropped $0.069 from last week and has fallen a substantial $0.531 over the past month. The month-over-month decline in particular reflects a meaningful stretch of relief at the pump. Lower crude oil prices, easing seasonal demand as the summer driving season winds down, and increased refinery output are among the factors commonly cited when prices trend downward this steadily over a short period.
The gap between the most and least expensive states remains significant. Drivers in Hawaii and California face the steepest prices, with Hawaii averaging $5.499 per gallon and California close behind at $5.455. Washington state rounds out the top three at $5.189. On the opposite end, Indiana offers the lowest average at $3.216, followed by Texas at $3.298 and Oklahoma at $3.351. Drivers in the cheapest states are paying roughly $2.28 less per gallon than those in Hawaii, a difference that adds up quickly over a full tank.
Next week, the direction of prices will likely depend on movement in crude oil markets and any updates to domestic supply and demand figures. If crude remains steady or continues to soften, pump prices could edge lower again. Drivers should also watch for any weather disruptions in major refining regions, as those events can quickly reverse downward trends. Barring unexpected developments, the current pattern suggests modest continued relief is possible in the near term.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.