Tracking U.S., state and county gas prices, in maps and charts
PUBLISHED Sep 27, 2026, 9:53 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Retail gasoline prices across the United States fluctuate significantly based on regional refining capacity, local tax structures, and environmental regulations, according to data from AAA and market analysts. The national average for regular unleaded fuel hovers around four dollars and forty-eight cents per gallon. Regional disparities remain pronounced, with West Coast states such as California and Hawaii experiencing the highest averages, exceeding six dollars and thirty-five cents and five dollars and fifty-seven cents respectively. Conversely, states across the South, including Mississippi and Arkansas, record the lowest averages near four dollars per gallon. Consumers utilize tracking applications like GasBuddy for real-time station-level pricing, while institutional analysts consult Energy Information Administration data for historical market trends. Market fluctuations continue to impact household budgets, supply chain logistics, and transportation costs nationwide, prompting ongoing reliance on tracking platforms for fuel economy and route planning.
By Ayesha A. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- On January 15 2024 national average retail gasoline prices stabilized near three dollars.
- On May 20 2024 regional refinery maintenance triggered temporary fuel price spikes nationwide.
- On July 4 2024 peak summer driving demand elevated overall national fuel averages.
- On November 12 2024 increased crude oil inventories lowered retail pump prices.
- On January 10 2025 state tax adjustments altered regional retail fuel pricing structures.
- On April 18 2025 environmental regulation compliance costs raised West Coast fuel prices.
- On August 5 2025 seasonal hurricane threats temporarily disrupted Gulf Coast refining operations.
- On October 22 2025 global crude supply shifts impacted domestic wholesale fuel markets.
- On February 14 2026 winter weather conditions constrained local transportation and fuel distribution.
- On September 25 2026 national retail gas averages remained near four dollars.
News Intelligence
- Immediate US impact: Immediate US impact on consumer travel expenses and localized household budgets.
- Possible long-term US impact: Long-term US impact on logistics costs and alternative energy vehicle adoption.
- Most affected groups: Most affected groups include daily commuters, transport workers, and logistics businesses.
- Reader priority: Readers should prioritize verified market data and official state pricing reports.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Exploring why gas price disparities remain wide across the country
NPR San Francisco ChronicleFrom Center
National Average Climbs Nearly 5 Cents Since Last Week
AAA Fuel Gauge Report U.S. Energy Information Administration Reuters Associated Press Bloomberg MarketWatch GasBuddy Insights USA Today CBS News NBC News Politico Forbes The Hill Chicago Tribune Houston Chronicle Miami Herald Seattle Times Detroit Free Press Dallas Morning News Phoenix Business Journal Star Tribune The Oregonian Cleveland Plain Dealer St. Louis Post-Dispatch Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Orlando Sentinel Sacramento Bee The Oregonian Alternative Austin American-Statesman Baltimore Sun Kansas City Star Indianapolis Star Columbus Dispatch Charlotte Observer The Oklahoman Omaha World-HeraldFrom Right
Fuel price disparities highlight regional regulatory and tax impacts
Wall Street Journal Las Vegas Review-Journal
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