Gas Price Update — Week of August 31, 2026

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.081 this week. That figure represents what most drivers across the country are paying at the pump right now, though actual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and the mix of fuel grades sold in a given area. For a typical driver filling up a 15-gallon tank, the current average translates to roughly $61.22 per fill-up.

Prices are moving in a favorable direction for consumers. The national average is down $0.018 from last week and $0.025 compared to one month ago, reflecting a modest but steady easing of costs at the pump. Lower crude oil prices and relatively stable refinery output have contributed to the gradual decline. Seasonal demand patterns may also be playing a role, as summer driving activity begins to taper off in some regions.

The gap between the most and least expensive states remains significant. California tops the list at $5.690 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $5.421 and Washington at $5.317. Drivers in those states are paying well above the national average due to higher state fuel taxes, stricter environmental fuel blending requirements, and regional supply constraints. At the other end of the spectrum, Indiana offers the lowest average in the country at $3.394, with Texas close behind at $3.610 and South Carolina at $3.631. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive states is currently more than $2.29 per gallon.

Several factors are worth monitoring heading into next week. Crude oil markets remain sensitive to changes in global demand forecasts and any disruptions to supply, either from weather events or geopolitical developments. Refinery maintenance schedules in the fall can sometimes tighten regional fuel supplies and push prices higher. If crude prices hold steady or continue to ease, the national average could dip slightly further, though any sharp movement in oil markets could quickly reverse the recent downward trend.