The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $3.872 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 fuel station. For a typical vehicle with a 15-gallon tank, a full fill-up at the national average costs roughly $58, a number that continues to weigh on household budgets for many Americans who commute or travel frequently.
Prices rose by about 7.5 cents compared to last week, a notable single-week increase that suggests some upward pressure in the market. However, the broader monthly picture tells a different story. Gas is still about 21 cents cheaper than it was one month ago, meaning the recent bump follows a longer period of gradual relief at the pump. The weekly uptick is likely tied to seasonal demand shifts, refinery adjustments, or movements in crude oil prices, all of which can push retail gas prices higher in a short window even when the longer trend has been favorable for consumers.
The gap between the most and least expensive states this week is striking. Drivers in Hawaii pay the most at $5.449 per gallon, followed closely by California at $5.388 and Washington at $4.981. On the other end of the scale, Indiana offers the lowest average at $3.238, with Texas close behind at $3.421 and Oklahoma at $3.422. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive states exceeds two dollars per gallon, a difference driven largely by state taxes, transportation costs, local refinery access, and regional fuel blend requirements.
Next week, drivers should watch whether the recent weekly increase continues or begins to level off. If crude oil prices stabilize or decline, retail prices could follow suit and ease back toward the lower levels seen earlier in the month. Conversely, any disruptions to refinery output, unexpected spikes in travel demand, or shifts in global oil markets could push the national average higher. Monitoring trends in crude futures and regional supply data over the coming days will offer the clearest signal of where pump prices are headed.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.