The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.477 this week. That figure represents what drivers across the country are paying on average when they pull up to the pump, though actual prices vary widely depending on location, local taxes, and the availability of regional fuel supplies. For the typical driver filling a 15-gallon tank, the current national average works out to roughly $67 per fill-up.
Prices have held nearly flat over the past seven days, slipping just two-tenths of a cent from last week's average. Over the past month, however, the picture looks quite different. Gas has climbed $0.387 per gallon in the last 30 days, a significant run-up that reflects a combination of rising crude oil costs, seasonal demand increases, and refinery transitions to summer-blend fuels, which are more expensive to produce and typically push pump prices higher heading into spring and summer.
The gap between the most and least expensive states remains striking this week. California drivers are paying $6.365 per gallon, the highest in the nation, with Hawaii at $5.570 and Washington at $5.531 also well above the national average. At the other end of the spectrum, Indiana comes in at $3.882, Texas at $3.918, and Mississippi at $3.999, all under four dollars per gallon. That spread of nearly $2.50 between the cheapest and most expensive states is driven largely by differences in state fuel taxes, environmental regulations, and proximity to refining infrastructure.
Looking ahead to next week, continued movement in crude oil markets will be the primary factor to watch. If oil prices remain elevated or push higher, pump prices in most states could follow. Seasonal demand is also expected to build as warmer weather approaches, which may sustain upward pressure on prices nationally. Drivers in states that have already seen sharp monthly increases should pay close attention to any changes in refinery output or regional supply disruptions, as those factors can accelerate price swings quickly.
Data source: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices are statewide averages for regular unleaded gasoline.