The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.479 this week. That figure serves as a broad benchmark for what most American drivers are paying at the pump, though actual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and regional supply conditions. For a typical driver filling a 15-gallon tank, that average translates to roughly $67 per fill-up, a cost that continues to put pressure on household budgets across the country.
Prices rose $0.162 over the past week and are up $0.369 compared to one month ago, indicating a sustained upward trend rather than a short-term spike. Several factors are contributing to the climb, including stronger summer travel demand, tighter crude oil supplies following production cuts by major oil-producing nations, and the seasonal switch to more expensive summer-blend fuels that refiners are required to produce during warmer months. Together, these pressures have pushed prices noticeably higher over the past four weeks.
The gap between the most and least expensive states remains striking. California leads the nation at $6.169 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.567 and Hawaii at $5.530, with all three states carrying heavy fuel taxes and unique supply constraints that push costs well above the national average. On the other end of the scale, Texas sits at $3.950, Mississippi at $3.968, and Louisiana at $4.002, benefiting from proximity to Gulf Coast refineries, lower state fuel taxes, and regional competition among retailers.
Drivers should watch for any movement in crude oil prices next week, as global supply developments remain the single biggest factor shaping pump prices in the near term. Weather events, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, could also disrupt refinery operations and tighten regional supply quickly. If the current demand trend holds through the peak of summer travel season, further price increases are possible, though any softening in crude markets could provide some relief at the pump.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.