The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.099 this week, keeping fuel costs above the four-dollar mark for most American drivers. That figure represents what motorists across the country are paying on average at the pump, though prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and regional supply conditions. For the typical driver filling a 15-gallon tank, the current national average translates to roughly $61.49 per fill-up.
Compared to last week, the national average is up 3.5 cents, a modest but notable increase that suggests upward pressure on prices in the near term. Looking at the broader monthly picture, however, prices are actually down six-tenths of a cent from where they stood a month ago, indicating that the longer-term trend remains relatively flat. The weekly uptick is consistent with seasonal demand patterns and fluctuations in crude oil markets, which remain a primary driver of retail gasoline prices.
The gap between the most and least expensive states this week is substantial, spanning nearly $2.11 per gallon from top to bottom. California leads the nation at $5.620, followed by Hawaii at $5.412 and Washington at $5.260, with all three states reflecting higher state fuel taxes and regional refinery and supply constraints. At the other end of the scale, Indiana averages $3.509, Texas comes in at $3.620, and South Carolina sits at $3.647, benefiting from lower state taxes and closer proximity to Gulf Coast refining infrastructure.
Drivers should watch crude oil price movements closely in the coming week, as any significant shift in global supply expectations could push retail prices higher or offer some relief at the pump. Seasonal demand is generally still present at this time of year, which could sustain upward pressure on the weekly average. If crude prices stabilize or decline, the national average could level off or inch downward, but another small weekly increase remains a possibility based on current market conditions.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.