The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $3.797 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country can expect to pay at a typical gas station, though actual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and the type of fuel purchased. For the average American driver filling a 15-gallon tank, that works out to roughly $56.96 per fill-up at current prices.
Prices are moving in a favorable direction for consumers. The national average is down $0.063 from last week and has fallen $0.394 compared to this same point last month, a decline of nearly 40 cents per gallon over four weeks. This downward trend reflects a combination of factors including softer crude oil demand, increased domestic refinery output, and easing concerns about near-term supply disruptions. Seasonal factors also play a role, as the transition away from summer driving patterns typically reduces demand and puts downward pressure on prices.
The spread between the most and least expensive states remains significant. Drivers in Hawaii are paying the most at $5.463 per gallon, followed by California at $5.380 and Washington at $5.032. Those high prices reflect state fuel taxes, environmental blend requirements, and limited refinery access. On the other end of the scale, Indiana comes in as the cheapest state at $3.048, with Texas close behind at $3.308 and Oklahoma at $3.312. Drivers in the cheapest states are paying roughly $2.40 less per gallon than those in Hawaii.
Looking ahead to next week, analysts will be watching crude oil futures and any updates from OPEC regarding production levels, as changes in either can shift pump prices quickly. Weather events affecting Gulf Coast refinery operations could also influence supply. If current trends hold, modest additional price declines are possible, though the pace of decreases may slow as prices approach levels that reduce refiner margins.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.