Gas Price Update — Week of August 3, 2026

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.095 as of this week. That puts the average American driver paying just over four dollars every time they fill up, which for a typical 15-gallon tank comes out to roughly $61.40 per fill. While that number remains elevated compared to historical norms, it reflects the ongoing reality of a fuel market shaped by global supply dynamics, refinery operations, and seasonal demand patterns.

Prices dipped slightly compared to last week, falling $0.015 per gallon, offering drivers a modest but real break at the pump. The bigger story is the monthly trend, where prices have climbed $0.272 over the past four weeks. That monthly increase reflects a combination of rising crude oil costs, tighter domestic refinery capacity, and a seasonal shift as refineries transition to summer-blend fuel formulations, which are more expensive to produce but required by environmental regulations in many parts of the country.

The gap between the most and least expensive states remains striking this week. California leads all states at $5.659 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $5.452 and Washington at $5.127. Drivers in those states pay well above the national average due to higher state fuel taxes, stricter environmental fuel standards, and in Hawaii's case, the added cost of shipping fuel across the Pacific. On the other end of the spectrum, Texas comes in as the cheapest state at $3.595, with Indiana at $3.605 and Mississippi at $3.651. Lower state taxes and proximity to refining infrastructure help keep prices down in those markets.

Next week, attention will focus on crude oil price movements and any updates from major oil-producing nations regarding output levels. Continued refinery transitions to summer blends could keep upward pressure on prices in certain regions. Drivers in the West and Pacific states should be prepared for prices to remain elevated, while those in the South and Midwest may see relatively stable or slightly lower prices if crude markets settle. Any significant weather events affecting Gulf Coast refinery operations could also shift the picture quickly.