Gas Prices

It’s a contradiction. Gasoline demand is actually going down because of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Yet the price of gasoline is rapidly snapping back to pre-pandemic levels.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular is $2.37 a gallon, seven cents higher than last Friday. It’s now only 20 cents a gallon less than at this time in 2020.

The average price of premium gas is $2.95 a gallon, seven cents more than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.61 a gallon, three cents higher than a week ago.

In the background, Wall Street traders have bid up the price of oil beyond $50 a barrel. While it’s true the Saudis have agreed to cut production, the big story is the potential end to the pandemic. The thinking is, once enough people are inoculated things will start getting back to normal and demand will rise.

So far, that bet hasn’t panned out. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports demand last week fell to its lowest level since May.

“Gas prices are rising as supply tightens and crude oil gets more expensive. Decreasing demand is outweighed by these other factors at the moment,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, a AAA spokesperson. “Last week crude oil pushed to the highest price since before the pandemic. If crude prices remain high, Americans can expect to pay more at the pump this month.” 

Some states saw bigger increases than others. Texas saw its statewide average jump 12 cents a gallon in the last week. The average price in Missouri is up 10 cents a gallon. As of this week, no state has an average price below $2 a gallon.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• California ($3.31)

• Hawaii ($3.30)

• Washington ($2.79)

• Nevada ($2.68)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Pennsylvania ($2.66)

• Alaska ($2.57)

• Illinois ($2.51)

• New Jersey ($2.51)

• New York ($2.44)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($2.05)

• Louisiana ($2.08)

• Missouri ($2.09)

• Oklahoma ($2.09)

• Texas ($2.10)

• Arkansas ($2.12)

• Alabama ($2.14)

• South Carolina ($2.14)

• Kansas ($2.16)

• Tennessee ($2.18)

Gasoline prices remained fairly stable during the end-of-the-year holidays as oil prices found a sweet spot and demand continued to fall.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is $2.30 a gallon, up five cents in the last week but 30 cents lower than at this time a year ago.

The average price of premium gas is $2.89 a gallon, four cents higher than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.58 a gallon, two cents more than last week.

Oil prices ticked slightly higher this week on rising optimism that the end of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is in sight. U.S. gasoline demand, as recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), was at the lowest level for the last week of December since 1998 – at 8.1 million barrels a day.

“Holiday road travel was down at least 25 percent,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “With fewer people on the road, the majority of states saw little change at the pump from the last week of 2020 to the first few days of 2021.”

Casselano says where gas prices go from here will largely depend on the price of crude oil and when demand for fuel begins to pick up again. She said AAA expects that as the vaccine becomes more widely available and states loosen travel restrictions, Americans will begin to see prices follow normal season patterns.

For all of 2020, AAA says the national average price of regular was $2.17 a gallon, the lowest since 2016.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.29)

• California ($3.26)

• Washington ($2.76)

• Nevada ($2.63)

• Oregon ($2.62)

• Pennsylvania ($2.59)

• Alaska ($2.52)

• Illinois ($2.43)

• New York ($2.35)

• New Jersey ($2.22)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.96)

• Texas ($1.98)

• Missouri ($1.99)

• Louisiana ($1.99)

• Oklahoma ($2.01)

• Arkansas ($2.02)

• Kansas ($2.04)

• Alabama ($2.05)

• Tennessee ($2.09)

• South Carolina ($2.07)

Prices at the pump have made their largest one-week advance since before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drastically reduced demand.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.21 a gallon, five cents a gallon more than last Friday. The price has risen eight cents over the last four weeks. The average price of premium gas is $2.81 a gallon, also five cents higher than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.50, an increase of four cents a gallon over the last week.

Though gasoline demand has been rising lately, the one-week jump in prices may have more to do with the price of crude oil, which has been rising on speculation that the economy will bounce back once a vaccine is widespread. 

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is approaching the $50 per barrel mark, a price it hasn’t seen since the beginning of the pandemic. Although energy demand is rising slightly, it is nowhere near what it was before the virus shut down much of the world economy.

In the last week, Western states that have the nation’s highest gas prices saw very little price movement. The price hike was largely driven by Southeastern states, where prices are lowest. Many of these states saw their statewide average rise by five cents a gallon.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.27)

• California ($3.18)

• Washington ($2.75)

• Oregon ($2.58)

• Nevada ($2.57)

• Pennsylvania ($2.52)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Maryland ($2.35)

• New Jersey ($2.32)

• Idaho ($2.24)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.87)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• Louisiana ($1.91)

• Texas ($1.91)

• Oklahoma ($1.92)

• Arkansas ($1.92)

• Alabama ($1.95)

• Tennessee ($1.95)

• South Carolina ($1.97)

• Kansas ($1.99)

The rise in oil prices that sent gas prices higher two weeks ago was offset this week by a continued drop in demand. More cars remained parked as health officials urged Americans to spend more time at home to stem the deadly rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows that the national average price of regular gas is $2.15 a gallon, a penny more than last Friday. Prices are four cents higher than a month ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.77 a gallon, the same as last week. The average price of diesel fuel rose two cents a gallon to $2.45 a gallon.

Oil prices have begun to rise in recent weeks in response to optimism about vaccines that could end the pandemic by mid-2021. But the lack of demand has kept prices at the pump in check. At the beginning of the week, AAA reported that gasoline demand was down 8 million barrels a day. GasBuddy reported that demand was slightly higher than the week before, but it’s running 12 percent below 2019.

Though prices have risen over the last four weeks, 16 states still have average prices below $2 a gallon. One year ago, the average price was 42 cents a gallon higher than today.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.28)

• California ($3.18)

• Washington ($2.75)

• Oregon ($2.58)

• Nevada ($2.58)

• Pennsylvania ($2.53)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Maryland ($2.34)

• New Jersey ($2.28)

• Idaho ($2.26)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.84)

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Texas ($1.85)

• Oklahoma ($1.87)

• Louisiana ($1.88)

• Arkansas ($1.90)

• Alabama ($1.91)

• Tennessee ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Wisconsin ($1.94)

After weeks of stable prices at the gas pump, gasoline is getting more expensive heading into the end of the year. The increase began as Americans -- disregarding advice from health experts -- hit the road over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.16 a gallon, five cents higher than a week ago. The average price has increased four cents a gallon over the last month.

The average price of premium gas is $2.77, four cents higher than seven days ago. The average price of diesel fuel is up two cents in the last week to $2.43 a gallon.

Analysts say the unpredicted rise in fuel prices has a lot to do with optimism about the COVID-19 vaccines. They say domestic oil prices are rising for the same reason beaten-down stocks are going up each day on Wall Street -- the belief that the end of the pandemic is in sight.

There were also more cars on the road during Thanksgiving week, which increased demand for fuel. But at the beginning of the week, AAA reported demand was lagging supplies and was calling for lower fuel prices in the days ahead.

In the last week, the biggest increase in gasoline prices occurred in states with the lowest average prices. The average price in Missouri, the cheapest state in the nation, rose five cents a gallon in the last week.

Prices were flat or dipped slightly in most of the states where prices are highest. Pennsylvania was an exception, as the average price jumped nine cents a gallon during the week.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.27)

• California ($3.18)

• Washington ($2.76)

• Oregon ($2.59)

• Nevada ($2.58)

• Pennsylvania ($2.54)

• Alaska ($2.49)

• Maryland ($2.33)

• Idaho ($2.29)

• New Jersey ($2.28)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.81)

• Mississippi ($1.83)

• Texas ($1.85)

• Oklahoma ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.86)

• Louisiana ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.89)

• Tennessee ($1.90)

• Kansas ($1.91)

• Wisconsin ($1.91)

The price of gasoline remained stable during the week as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grew dramatically across the country. Despite the spread of the virus, fuel demand continued to rise.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.11 a gallon, two cents less than last Friday. The price is down five cents over the last four weeks.

The average price of premium gas is $2.73, one cent less than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.39, two cents less than seven days ago.

AAA suggests the slight increase in price at the pump in a handful of states is a reaction to government data showing demand is rising, when analysts predicted it would fall because of the spread of the virus. Several states in the last week took steps to curb activity, including placing restrictions on restaurants and other businesses.

“Following a jump in demand, we’ve seen a number of state gas price averages increase on the week. However, the majority of these increases were just a few pennies,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, a AAA spokesperson. “With many states seeing rising COVID-19 case numbers and a number of officials warning against holiday travel, demand is likely to see a dip in coming weeks.”

But despite suggestions that people stay home on Thanksgiving -- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a stern request Thursday -- surveys have shown as much as half the country plans to go somewhere on the holiday, mostly by car. Rising demand could keep upward pressure on prices, at least for a while.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.25)

• California ($3.17)

• Washington ($2.76)

• Nevada ($2.59)

• Oregon ($2.59)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Pennsylvania ($2.46)

• Utah ($2.30)

• Idaho ($2.30)

• Arizona ($2.22)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.77)

• Mississippi ($1.80)

• Texas ($1.80)

• Oklahoma ($1.81)

• Arkansas ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.84)

• Alabama ($1.86)

• Tennessee ($1.86)

• Kansas ($1.88)

• South Carolina ($1.88)

Gasoline prices were mostly flat for most of the week in most states, but an increase in demand at midweek is pushing prices at the pump slightly higher.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows that the national average price of regular gas is $2.13 a gallon, two cents more than last Friday. But in the last four weeks, the average price has dropped five cents. The average price of premium gas is $2.74 a gallon, also a penny higher on the week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.38 a gallon, up from $2.36 last week.

Across the nation, prices were fairly stable over the last week, rising or falling by a penny a gallon in most states. South Carolina, where the price rose six cents a gallon, and Pennsylvania, which experienced a three cents a gallon increase, were outliers.

Fuel demand has been uneven lately, but it rose at midweek. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, tweeted that demand on Wednesday was up 2.6 percent, according to Pay with GasBuddy data.

Demand could creep higher with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up. Despite health officials’ pleas to the public not to gather with family and friends and risk the spread of the coronavirus, a Cars.com survey suggests that many people will, in fact, travel over the holiday.

The survey found that 47 percent of Americans said they plan to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, the overwhelming majority by car. A year ago, 68 percent of Americans said they planned to hit the road.

Despite the predicted uptick in travel over the holiday period, AAA still expects demand to weaken as we reach the end of the year. The spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases is causing some states to place new restrictions on travel.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.26)

• California ($3.17)

• Washington ($2.77)

• Nevada ($2.59)

• Oregon ($2.56)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Pennsylvania ($2.47)

• Utah ($2.32)

• Idaho ($2.30)

• Illinois ($2.24)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.77)

• Mississippi ($1.80)

• Texas ($1.81)

• Oklahoma ($1.81)

• Arkansas ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Alabama ($1.86)

• Tennessee ($1.87)

• Kansas ($1.88)

• South Carolina ($1.88)

Low and stable gasoline prices have become a “new normal,” much better for consumers than the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s new normal of masks, social distancing, and sporting events without fans.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.11 a gallon, down another three cents a gallon in the last seven days. It’s down seven cents in the last four weeks.

The average price of premium gas $2.73 a gallon, three cents lower than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.36 a gallon, a penny less than last week.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports demand for gasoline declined for another week as consumers are driving less during the pandemic. AAA says that trend should keep prices at the pump slowly falling for the rest of the year.

In the last week, the average gas price is six cents lower in Michigan, five cents lower in Kentucky and Texas, and four cents lower in South Carolina.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.26)

• California ($3.17)

• Washington ($2.75)

• Nevada ($2.60)

• Oregon ($2.56)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Pennsylvania ($2.44)

• Utah ($2.34)

• Idaho ($2.31)

• Illinois ($2.23)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.78)

• Mississippi ($1.79)

• Texas ($1.79)

• Oklahoma ($1.81)

• South Carolina ($1.82)

• Arkansas ($1.82)

• Louisiana ($1.84)

• Alabama ($1.85)

• Tennessee ($1.86)

• Kansas ($1.89)

A surge in the third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) did nothing to raise gasoline prices this week. The government reports GDP increased 31 percent, but the average gas price went down again.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.14 a gallon, two cents lower than last Friday. Prices are still relatively stable, down four cents a gallon in the last month.

The average price of premium gas fell by a penny in the last week to $2.76 a gallon. The average price of diesel fuel is the same as last week -- $2.37 a gallon.

Gasoline demand continues to flatline or dip lower as consumers, for the most part, continue to stay close to home. AAA reports demand in October has been about 14 percent less than last October.

“The U.S. has a very healthy level of gasoline stocks due to lower demand and that is keeping gas prices low,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “The majority of states have cheaper gas prices compared to last month, many paying three to eight cents less. That downward trend at the pump is likely to continue.” 

Demand, in fact, has fallen as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has spiked. Prices at the pump have fallen with lower demand.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.26)

• California ($3.18)

• Washington ($2.76)

• Nevada ($2.61)

• Oregon ($2.57)

• Alaska ($2.50)

• Pennsylvania ($2.46)

• Utah ($2.36)

• Idaho ($2.34)

• Illinois ($2.25)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($1.81)

• Mississippi ($1.82)

• Oklahoma ($1.83)

• Texas ($1.84)

• Arkansas ($1.85)

• Louisiana ($1.87)

• South Carolina ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.88)

• Tennessee ($1.89)

• Kansas ($1.92)

Motorists are still driving less during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, so demand for gasoline continues to fall. That means there’s little to push up prices at the pump.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.16 a gallon, a penny less than last Friday. It’s two cents lower than it was a month ago.

The average price of premium gas is $2.77 a gallon, two cents less than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.37 a gallon, down from $2.38 last week.

This week’s Petroleum Industry Report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows U.S. gasoline supplies rose by 1.9 million barrels for the week to October 16. Gasoline production last week averaged 8.9 million barrels a day, compared with 9.2 million barrels a day a week earlier.

Since they were turning out less gasoline, U.S. oil refineries ran this week at only 72.9 percent of capacity. During normal time, refineries usually operate at 93 percent of capacity.

With supplies rising and demand falling, prices have remained stable across much of the nation. Kentucky and Washington DC saw the biggest fluctuations during the week. The gas average price is five cents a gallon higher in Kentucky but five cents a gallon less in the nation’s capital.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.28)

• California ($3.19)

• Washington ($2.77)

• Nevada ($2.61)

• Oregon ($2.58)

• Alaska ($2.51)

• Pennsylvania ($2.47)

• Utah ($2.38)

• Idaho ($2.35)

• Illinois ($2.27)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Texas ($1.86)

• Missouri ($1.84)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Oklahoma ($1.86)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Louisiana ($1.89)

• South Carolina ($1.90)

• Tennessee ($1.92)

• Kansas ($1.93)

The price of gas fell slightly this week as demand was overshadowed by growing fuel supplies.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.17 a gallon, a penny less than last week and two cents less than two weeks ago.

The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, the same as last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is also the same as a week ago, $2.38 a gallon.

Hurricane Delta, the second Gulf Coast hurricane in a month, made landfall in Southwest Louisiana, but the disruption to refinery operations was minimal. Most facilities were back on line within hours.

The Colonial Pipeline Line 1, the main gas line, was down temporarily over the weekend due to loss of power, which was back in service by Monday morning. Not only did gas prices not rise, they actually went down.

“In a typical year, a hurricane season like we’ve experienced this year would have caused gas prices to spike, but 2020 is not a typical year,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “Low U.S. gasoline demand has helped contain any impact to gas prices locally and regionally throughout this hurricane season.”

There’s evidence that these low and stable gas prices may be encouraging more driving. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported that Pay with GasBuddy data showed gasoline demand on Wednesday rose 1.8 percent above the previous Wednesday. But demand for gas was down 0.9 percent from last week.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.26)

• California ($3.20)

• Washington ($2.78)

• Nevada ($2.63)

• Oregon ($2.59)

• Alaska ($2.49)

• Pennsylvania ($2.48)

• Utah ($2.40)

• Idaho ($2.36)

• Illinois ($2.26)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.85)

• Texas ($1.86)

• Missouri ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Oklahoma ($1.88)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Louisiana ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

• Kansas ($1.95)

Motorists drove more this week, but it had no effect on prices in most states. The price at the pump has been stable since early July.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.18 a gallon, a penny less than last Friday. That’s three cents less than a month ago.

The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, also one cent less than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.38 a gallon, which is also a penny less than a week ago.

AAA says $2.18 a gallon is the cheapest price of gasoline at the beginning of October since 2016. That’s four cents cheaper than the start of September, with prices holding steady on demand of 8.5 million barrels a day.

“Demand is likely to see some declines in the weeks ahead as drivers traditionally take fewer road trips in the fall,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA’s spokesperson. “That will mean gas prices are likely to push cheaper throughout the month.”

Gas prices have been remarkably stable over the last couple of weeks, even with hurricanes pounding the Gulf Coast. AAA reports that in the last week, 41 state gas price averages fluctuated by no more than two cents a gallon. Most only saw a penny increase or decrease.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• California ($3.20)

• Washington ($2.79)

• Nevada ($2.64)

• Oregon ($2.61)

• Alaska ($2.51)

• Pennsylvania ($2.48)

• Utah ($2.40)

• Idaho ($2.38)

• Illinois ($2.29)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.85)

• Texas ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Louisiana ($1.91)

• Missouri ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.91)

• Oklahoma ($1.88)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Tennessee ($1.93)

• Kansas ($1.95)

For yet another week, consumers enjoyed stable prices at the pump as even a slight increase in demand couldn’t push gas prices higher.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.19 a gallon, about the same as last Friday. It’s four cents less than a month ago.

The average price of premium gas is $2.80 a gallon, also the same as last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.39 a gallon, a penny less than last week. 

Prices have been stable largely because supply and demand have balanced one another out. In a Thursday tweet, Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that demand rose sharply at mid-week, suggesting that consumers have begun to drive more than in recent weeks.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported fuel demand increased slightly from the previous week but remains more than 800,000 barrels a day less than during this same week in 2019.

“Low demand, even as gasoline stocks decline, has helped pump prices decline or hold steady on the week,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “That is likely to continue into the fall as the season sees fewer road trips, especially amid the pandemic.” 

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.21)

• Washington ($2.80)

• Nevada ($2.64)

• Oregon ($2.62)

• Alaska ($2.51)

• Pennsylvania ($2.49)

• Utah ($2.41)

• Idaho ($2.41)

• Illinois ($2.31)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Texas ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Louisiana ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.88)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Oklahoma ($1.89)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

• Kansas ($1.96)

Americans simply aren’t driving as much as they used to, and entering the fall months when refineries are switching over to winter gasoline blends, gas prices have continued to drift lower in many states.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.19 a gallon, a penny more than last week but a penny less than two weeks ago. The price is still 47 cents a gallon less than this time last year.

The average price of premium gas is $2.80 a gallon up from $2.79 last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.40 a gallon, the same as a week ago.

Gasoline demand remains seasonally low. In the last week, it totaled 8.39 million barrels a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s nearly a half-million barrels a day less than what consumers were using a year ago.

Even the spate of Gulf Coast storms hasn’t done much to impact prices at the pump. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, tweeted at midweek that CITGO's Lake Charles, La., refinery is not expected to return to full operation until mid to late October.

“They're in no rush with weak demand,” he wrote.

Prices were mostly stable across the country. Delaware and Florida saw the average pump price fall three cents a gallon while prices rose three cents a gallon in Illinois.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• California ($3.22)

• Washington ($2.81)

• Nevada ($2.65)

• Oregon ($2.63)

• Alaska ($2.53)

• Pennsylvania ($2.50)

• Utah ($2.43)

• Idaho ($2.43)

• Illinois ($2.33)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Texas ($1.87)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Louisiana ($1.88)

• Missouri ($1.88)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Oklahoma ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.94)

• Tennessee ($1.93)

• Kansas ($1.97)

Motorists seem to have parked their cars now that the summer driving season is over. Even a hurricane slamming the Gulf Coast failed to overcome a big drop in fuel demand.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is $2.18 a gallon, two cents less than last Friday. The average price of premium is $2.79 gallon -- also two cents less than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.40, down from $2.42 last week.

Hurricane Sally stormed ashore from the Gulf of Mexico, forcing a shutdown of oil rigs in the region early in the week. But there was apparently little damage and operations resumed by Thursday.

Crews returned to at least 30 offshore oil and gas platforms. Chevron Corp. began restaffing its Blind Faith and Petronius platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, according to Reuters.

The brief interruption had little lasting effect on oil prices and should have even less on what consumers pay for gasoline. AAA reports gasoline demand this month is at levels that haven’t been seen since mid-June when the country was just beginning to reopen from the long coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown.

While demand was low this week, so were supplies, at least compared to recent weeks. But AAA’s Jeanette Casselano says that balance favored consumers.

 “Despite the steady supply dip, continued low levels of demand helped push the national gas price cheaper on the week," Casselano said.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.25)

• California ($3.22)

• Washington ($2.82)

• Nevada ($2.67)

• Oregon ($2.64)

• Alaska ($2.54)

• Pennsylvania ($2.49)

• Utah ($2.45)

• Idaho ($2.45)

• Colorado ($2.31)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.85)

• Texas ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Louisiana ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Oklahoma ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.91)

• Tennessee ($1.92)

• Kentucky ($1.93)

The days immediately after Labor Day saw gasoline prices dip in most areas of the country as oil prices declined, along with demand for fuel.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.20 a gallon, two cents less than a week ago. The price hasn’t fluctuated more than six cents a gallon over the last month.

The average price of premium gas is $2.81 a gallon, two cents less than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel has remained stable over the last month at $2.42 a gallon.

“Summer may be fading into the rearview mirror, but less expensive gas prices are not,” said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. “Moving into fall we traditionally see a drop in demand and further savings at the pump. This year that means pump prices could possibly push even lower then we’ve already seen in 2020.”

Prices declined in nearly every state during the week, though there were some exceptions. However, even when prices were higher it was usually no more than a penny or two over the previous week.

In its mid-week report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed oil supplies grew over the last week while demand for gasoline declined. That sent oil prices even lower, closing Thursday below $40 a barrel.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• California ($3.24)

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• Washington ($2.83)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Nevada ($2.68)

• Alaska ($2.55)

• Pennsylvania ($2.51)

• Utah ($2.47)

• Idaho ($2.46)

• Colorado ($2.34)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.88)

• Texas ($1.89)

• Louisiana ($1.91)

• Missouri ($1.91)

• Arkansas ($1.91)

• Alabama ($1.91)

• Oklahoma ($1.92)

• South Carolina ($1.95)

• Tennessee ($1.96)

• Kansas ($1.99)

Gas prices remained largely unchanged this week in spite of storm damage in the Gulf of Mexico and an approaching holiday weekend. Labor Day travelers should find prices at the pump about 34 cents a gallon less than last Labor Day weekend.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is $2.22 a gallon, just a penny less than last Friday. The average price of premium is $2.82 a gallon, the same as last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.42 a gallon, a penny cheaper than last week.

The Memorial Day and Independence Day weekends saw far fewer motorists on the road than in years past but more people may hit the road over the Labor Day weekend. 

"For several weeks, we were all staying home per orders from our governors, but now with many restrictions lifted more people are willing to venture out, but still close to home," said Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, a national travel agency.

The firm says 50 percent of travel requests submitted through the TravelLeaders.com website are for travel options between Fall 2020 and year's end.

Car buying could impact fuel prices

New research from Cars.com shows nearly 60 percent of Americans plan to travel this Labor Day weekend, nearly double the number compared to Memorial Day. The overwhelming majority say they plan to drive.

Because of that, Cars.com predicts car dealers will get visits this weekend from many of the people who aren’t on the road.

"We have tracked consumer sentiment about car buying and travel habits during the pandemic for months now — and our findings continue to show that more and more people are turning to car ownership because of the safety and freedom it provides," said Kelsey Mays, senior consumer affairs editor, Cars.com. "And, interestingly enough, this new generation of buyers - many who previously did not own a car, particularly in urban areas - are looking at sedans over the typically popular SUVs or crossovers as their vehicle of choice."

All of this could impact fuel prices down the road, causing demand to rise faster than expected. AAA points out that gasoline demand spiked in the last week and refinery operations in the Lake Charles, La., region are still down after Hurricane Laura stormed through the region late last month. So far, however, it’s had little impact on prices at the pump.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• California ($3.24)

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• Washington ($2.83)

• Oregon ($2.67)

• Nevada ($2.69)

• Alaska ($2.55)

• Pennsylvania ($2.52)

• Utah ($2.48)

• Idaho ($2.46)

• Colorado ($2.36)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.88)

• Louisiana ($1.91)

• Texas ($1.91)

• Arkansas ($1.92)

• Alabama ($1.93)

• Oklahoma ($1.93)

• Missouri ($1.93)

• Tennessee ($1.98)

• South Carolina ($1.99)

• Kansas ($2.01)

Last week, AAA predicted gasoline prices had peaked for the summer. Oops. Prices rose in every part of the country in the last week.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the price of regular gas is $2.23 a gallon, up five cents from last Friday. The average price of premium is $2.83 a gallon, four cents higher than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is nearly the same as last week, $2.43 a gallon.

In fairness, AAA did offer one important caveat in last week’s prediction -- that there wouldn’t be any damaging hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Sure enough, Hurricane Laura roared ashore this week along the Louisiana and Texas borders, curtailing operations at area oil refineries. The latest reports, however, show there was little damage to the facilities, which should soon return to full operations.

Refinery shutdowns

Thursday on Twitter, Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported that gas prices had pushed to their highest level since March for two reasons -- recovering demand and the refinery shutdowns in the Gulf.

“Expect another five cents a gallon rise or so in the next week or two,” he wrote.

Rising oil prices are also putting upward pressure on gasoline prices right at the time that prices begin to decline into the fall and winter months. At midweek, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a larger than expected drawdown from U.S. oil stockpiles in the previous week but that didn’t seem to affect fuel production.

U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged 14.7 million barrels per day during the week ending August 21, which was 225,000 barrels per day more than the previous week’s average. Refineries operated at 82.0 percent of their operable capacity last week. 

While most states saw prices at the pump rise no more than four cents a gallon, the statewide average in Indiana jumped nine cents a gallon while the average price gained seven cents in Pennsylvania.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• California ($3.23)

• Washington ($2.83)

• Oregon ($2.67)

• Nevada ($2.67)

• Alaska ($2.54)

• Pennsylvania ($2.50)

• Utah ($2.43)

• Idaho ($2.43)

• Illinois ($2.39)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.87)

• Louisiana ($1.89)

• Arkansas ($1.91)

• Texas ($1.91)

• Alabama ($1.92)

• Oklahoma ($1.92)

• Missouri ($1.93)

• Tennessee ($1.98)

• South Carolina ($1.99)

• Kansas ($2.00)

Despite a slow increase in gasoline demand in the last couple of weeks, prices at the pump stayed stable for another week across much of the U.S.

The national average price of regular gas is $2.18 a gallon, just a penny more than last Friday. Prices remain about 42 cents a gallon less than at this time in 2019. The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, also one cent more than last week. The average price of diesel fuel remains at $2.42 a gallon, the same as a week ago.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that an increase in gasoline demand last week drew gasoline inventories down, but supplies remain plentiful when compared to previous years. Therefore, there should be little impact on prices since the summer driving season is nearly over.

“Gas prices are stalling, if not decreasing, at the vast majority of pumps,” said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. “We’ve likely seen gasoline prices peak for 2020, barring any major hurricanes.”

Nationwide, AAA reported that 72 percent of all gas stations were selling gas for less than $2.25. Forty-one percent are selling fuel for under $2 a gallon. Compared to last August, the U.S. has 12 million more barrels of gasoline on hand.

In the weeks ahead, oil refineries will begin switching over to winter-grade gasoline blends, which cost less than summertime fuel. Because of that, there should be very little to raise gasoline prices heading into the end of the year.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.12)

• Washington ($2.81)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Nevada ($2.66)

• Alaska ($2.53)

• Utah ($2.44)

• Pennsylvania ($2.43)

• Idaho ($2.42)

• Colorado ($2.39)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Texas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.87)

• Oklahoma ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• Tennessee ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.91)

• Kansas ($1.97)

In the 1960s, gas prices hardly budged from one week to the next. Late July and early August have been almost like going back in time.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows that the national average price of regular gas is $2.17 a gallon, down a penny from last Friday. The average price of premium gas is $2.78 a gallon, also one cent less than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.42 a gallon, the same as last week.

Gas prices are about two cents a gallon less than they were four weeks ago. Most people are still working from home, and when they’ve taken car trips this summer, they’ve stayed fairly close to home.

Prices could fall even more as we get into the Autumn months. Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson, says there’s nothing on the horizon, other than the possibility of a Gulf hurricane, which could push prices higher.

“Gas prices have high potential to push cheaper, especially with many school districts planning for virtual learning,” she said. “This could drive demand down in the weeks ahead as school starts at-home.”

At mid-week the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that demand ticked up a bit in the previous week, but oil refineries operated at only 81 percent of capacity. In normal times, they operate at around 96 percent capacity.

Demand for fuel increased to 19.37 million barrels per day last week, the highest since March. That had the effect of drawing down inventories, which could keep prices from falling further.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.25)

• California ($3.19)

• Washington ($2.80)

• Oregon ($2.65)

• Nevada ($2.65)

• Alaska ($2.52)

• Utah ($2.45)

• Idaho ($2.43)

• Pennsylvania ($2.43)

• Colorado ($2.40)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.82)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Arkansas ($1.86)

• Texas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.87)

• Oklahoma ($1.88)

• Missouri ($1.88)

• South Carolina ($1.90)

• Tennessee ($1.90)

• North Carolina ($1.96)

Even a tropical storm that roared up the East Coast at the beginning of the week did little to raise gasoline prices as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to dampen demand for fuel.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline today is $2.18 a gallon, the same as it’s been for the last two weeks. A year ago, regular fuel was selling for $2.70 a gallon.

The average price of premium gasoline is just as stable at $2.79 a gallon, the same as last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.42 a gallon, a penny less than last week.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that demand for gasoline ticked up a bit this week compared to the week before. But compared to this time last year, demand is down 8 percent.

“This summer is no doubt the cheapest at the pump for motorists in more than a decade. The last two months have yielded a national average of $2.14,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “While we expect to see typical fluctuation, August gas prices are not expected to spike, especially amid increases in COVID-19 cases.” 

Motorists in most states saw little change in pump prices over the last seven days, though in Utah consumers saw their gas prices jump 10 cents a gallon. The average price in Michigan rose six cents a gallon.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• California ($3.18)

• Washington ($2.80)

• Oregon ($2.65)

• Nevada ($2.65)

• Alaska ($2.52)

• Utah ($2.46)

• Colorado ($2.43)

• Idaho ($2.43)

• Pennsylvania ($2.42)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.82)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Texas ($1.85)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.87)

• Oklahoma ($1.88)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• South Carolina ($1.90)

• Tennessee ($1.90)

• North Carolina ($1.96)

Consumers continued to enjoy stable gasoline prices this week as many cars remained parked and demand for fuel continued to fall.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.18 a gallon, nearly the same as last week and 53 cents a gallon less than last year at this time. The average price of premium gas is $2.80 a  gallon, a penny more than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel has remained at $2.43 a gallon for several weeks.

At midweek, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick DeHaan, reported falling usage, with demand on Tuesday 6 percent lower than seven days earlier. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported this week that energy use in April, when Americans were sheltering in place, plunged to a 30-year low. Since then, consumers have literally kept their foot off the gas.

“Pump prices are mostly pushing cheaper across the country as gasoline demand wanes over the past few weeks,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA’s spokesperson. “Gas prices are likely to fluctuate throughout the rest of the summer due to COVID-19 concerns, with the national average possibly reaching $2.25.”

When prices fluctuated this week, it was mostly to the downside. Prices fell a few cents a gallon in Michigan, Indiana, and North Carolina. 

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.17)

• Washington ($2.80)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Nevada ($2.65)

• Alaska ($2.52)

• Colorado ($2.44)

• Pennsylvania ($2.41)

• Idaho ($2.40)

• Illinois ($2.38)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.86)

• Texas ($1.88)

• Arkansas ($1.89)

• Alabama ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.90)

• Oklahoma ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.91)

• Tennessee ($1.93)

• Kansas ($1.97)

Gasoline prices drifted slightly lower across much of the U.S. this week as the rising number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in many states discouraged travel.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.18 a gallon, down from $2.20 a week ago. The average price remains 57 cents a gallon less than at this time a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, a penny less than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.43 a gallon, the same as it has been for several weeks.

AAA says prices have remained very stable this week; one-third of states saw gas prices fall slightly and only 10 states saw gas prices increase by two to four cents. State averages saw minimal fluctuation as demand roughly held steady over the last four weeks. 

“During the last month, demand has averaged about 8.6 million barrels a day while gasoline stocks have steadily declined,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA’s spokesperson. “Week by week, we are seeing mostly regional fluctuation at the pump based on gasoline supply and demand.”

Because of the coronavirus, gasoline demand has not been anything close to normal for the last four months. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that consumers are using about 8.6 million barrels of gasoline a day.

Demand for fuel is 6 percent less than at this time last year. Despite cutbacks at oil refineries, gasoline supplies are still 7 percent higher year-over-year.

Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio saw average gas prices fall around six cents a gallon this week while prices were up around 4 cents in New Mexico.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.24)

• California ($3.14)

• Washington ($2.80)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Nevada ($2.64)

• Alaska ($2.53)

• Colorado ($2.46)

• Pennsylvania ($2.44)

• Illinois ($2.37)

• Arizona ($2.35)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Louisiana ($1.86)

• Arkansas ($1.89)

• Alabama ($1.89)

• Texas ($1.90)

• Missouri ($1.91)

• Oklahoma ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.91)

• Tennessee ($1.92)

• Kansas ($1.98)

As more states try to get back to normal after a coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown, consumers are driving more miles. In the last week, prices rose slightly in nearly every state.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey puts the national average price of regular gasat $2.20 a gallon, about a penny more than last week but much lower than mid-July 2019. The average price of premium gas is $2.80 a gallon, one cent more than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.43 a gallon, the same as a week ago.

Motorists are driving a little more, and refineries are cutting back on supplies. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported at mid-week that gasoline stockpiles fell by more than 3 million barrels in the previous week. But compared to this time a year ago, supplies are up nearly 7 percent.

Jeanette Casselano, a spokesperson for AAA, says supply and demand appear to be in a state of flux, especially since some states, such as California, are in the midst of reclosing parts of its economy. 

“The Energy Information Administration’s data shows gasoline demand and supply continue on a roller coaster ride,” Casselano said. “As motorists react to unfolding COVID-19 information, we are seeing driving behaviors related to filling-up ebb and flow.”

As a result, gasoline prices, though slowly rising, have been stable over the last few weeks, with Indiana, Michigan, and Delaware among the states experiencing the largest increase in price at the pump this week.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.13)

• Washington ($2.79)

• Nevada ($2.64)

• Oregon ($2.65) 

• Alaska ($2.52)

• Colorado ($2.47)

• Pennsylvania ($2.44)

• Illinois ($2.39)

• Idaho ($2.34)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.84)

• Louisiana ($1.87)

• Arkansas ($1.90)

• Texas ($1.92)

• Alabama ($1.90)

• Missouri ($1.93)

• Oklahoma ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.94)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

• Kansas ($1.98)

The recent steady rise in gasoline prices appeared to stall this week as a number of states reported a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the price of regular gas is $2.19 a gallon, two cents more than last week. The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, just a penny more than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel remains nearly the same as last week -- $2.44 a gallon.

In spite of last weekend’s Independence Day holiday, gasoline demand remained tepid over the last few days. Analysts suggest that the sharp rise of cases in Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida may have caused many people to reconsider holiday outings.

“Independence Day weekend gas prices were nearly 60 cents cheaper than last year and on top of that, they were the most inexpensive prices seen for the holiday since 2004,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA’s spokesperson.

Most states reported stable prices at the pump over the last week. In areas where prices did rise, it wasn’t always a matter of supply and demand. Several states increased their gasoline tax effective July 1, including California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, South Carolina and Maryland.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.10)

• Washington ($2.75)

• Nevada ($2.63)

• Oregon ($2.62) 

• Alaska ($2.51)

• Colorado ($2.47)

• Pennsylvania ($2.44)

• Illinois ($2.40)

• Idaho ($2.34)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Arkansas ($1.88)

• Texas ($1.88)

• Alabama ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• Oklahoma ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

• Virginia ($1.98)

Gasoline prices have steadily risen off their lockdown lows in recent weeks, but they’re still a lot less than at this time last year. Independence weekend travelers will find the lowest July 4th gas prices in 15 years.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey puts the national average price of regular gas at $2.17 a gallon, about the same price as a week ago. Going into the Independence Day holiday last year, the average price was $2.73 a gallon. The average price of premium gas is $2.78 a gallon, three cents more than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.43 a gallon, the same as last week.

‘Anything but a normal year’

Gas prices have been held in check by the coronavirus (COVID-19), which crushed demand in April and May. Prices began to rise again in early June, but Patrick DeHaan, head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, says there is currently little to push prices much higher.

“2020 continues to be anything but a normal year, and low gas prices have persisted into summer’s unofficial halfway point, Independence Day,” DeHaan said. “While gasoline demand has continued to rebound, there is anxiety about the recent surge in new coronavirus cases in the U.S., and that could prevent gas prices from seeing a continued rebound.”

That said, the U.S. has the lowest summer gas prices in about 15 years. But prices could show some volatility in the weeks ahead, depending on the severity of the pandemic.

“Conditions to socially distance and hit the road remain ripe for those able to do so,” DeHaan said. “Prices in all 50 states remain well-below year-ago levels, but should the coronavirus situation improve significantly, gas prices will follow.”

DeHaan predicts that at the end of the day, the summer of 2020 will have the cheapest gas prices American motorists have seen in well over a decade.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.21)

• California ($3.07)

• Washington ($2.72)

• Nevada ($2.61)

• Oregon ($2.59) 

• Alaska ($2.49)

• Colorado ($2.46)

• Pennsylvania ($2.43)

• Illinois ($2.37)

• Idaho ($2.34)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.82)

• Louisiana ($1.84)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.88)

• Missouri ($1.88)

• Texas ($1.89)

• Oklahoma ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.93)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

• Virginia ($1.96)

Gas prices are still rising, partly a result of consumers leaving the house more and partly the result of prices returning to their normal seasonal pattern.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.17 a gallon, about six cents higher than last Friday. But that’s still 50 cents a gallon less than at this time in 2019. The average price of premium gas is $2.77 a gallon, five cents more than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.44 a gallon, two cents more than last week.

Prices are still rising even though gasoline demand isn’t anywhere near its normal summertime levels. GasBuddy reported at midweek that demand was down 0.2 percent from the previous Wednesday but 13.3 percent higher than a month ago. Measured year-over-year, however, demand is down 18.2 percent.

“Demand levels are likely to ebb and flow in the coming weeks as people continue to be cautious about travel,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “As a result, pump prices will likely continue to increase, but at a slower rate through the end of the month.”

Prices at the pump were slightly higher in just about every state over the last week, with few states seeing a spike. Colorado saw one of the biggest weekly increases, with the average price rising 10 cents a gallon.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.19)

• California ($3.06)

• Washington ($2.71)

• Nevada ($2.60)

• Oregon ($2.59) 

• Alaska ($2.48)

• Colorado ($2.44)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.42)

• Illinois ($2.37)

• Idaho ($2.33)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.81)

• Louisiana ($1.83)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.87)

• Missouri ($1.87)

• Texas ($1.88)

• Oklahoma ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.93)

• Kansas ($1.94)

• Tennessee ($1.94)

The price of gasoline has reached a post-COVID-19 milestone, inching back over the $2 a gallon mark for the first time since the virus forced millions of Americans to stay home and demand for gasoline crashed.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline hit $2 a gallon today, higher than it’s been in months but 80 cents a gallon cheaper than it was a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.60, only two cents higher than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.40 a gallon, a penny cheaper than last Friday.

Prices have risen over the last three weeks as states begin to lift travel restrictions. Even so, gasoline supplies are abundant though demand for fuel has suddenly accelerated.

GasBuddy demand data shows demand for gasoline was 5.5 percent higher by mid-week from the previous week and 8 percent higher than a month ago.

“Americans are slowly but steadily returning to driving, causing gas prices to increase across the country,” said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. “The good news is gas is still cheap. Motorists can fill-up for $2/gallon or less at 70% of gas stations across the country.”

Prices were mostly stable across the U.S., rising two to three cents a gallon in most states. Idaho was an outlier, with the average statewide price jumping seven cents a gallon.

At week's end, the greatest uncertainty about fuel prices centered on a tropical depression moving north through the Gulf of Mexico. Should it strengthen to hurricane status before Monday's expected landfall, it could pose a threat to the region's oil refineries.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.19)

• California ($2.92)

• Washington ($2.55)

• Nevada ($2.48)

• Oregon ($2.46) 

• Alaska ($2.30)

• Illinois ($2.25)

• Utah ($2.25)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.24)

• Idaho ($2.24)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.61)

• Louisiana ($1.66)

• Texas ($1.66)

• Arkansas ($1.67)

• Alabama ($1.67)

• Oklahoma ($1.68)

• Missouri ($1.68)

• South Carolina ($1.69)

• Kansas ($1.71)

• Tennessee ($1.73)

The price of gasoline has risen over the last two weeks after states started to lift stay-at-home restrictions, but industry data suggests that prices at the pump won’t go much higher.

If you enjoy low gasoline prices where you live, there’s a good chance you’ll continue to do that for the rest of the year. While fuel demand has begun to rise, it may not be enough to cause much of an increase in prices. That’s because there were massive amounts of crude oil and refined gasoline on hand before the coronavirus (COVID-19) brought world economies to a halt.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, has been following the gasoline supply numbers closely. Over the weekend, he reported on Twitter that GasBuddy’s gasoline demand numbers showed a 5 percent drop from the previous Friday, when demand for fuel should have been rising.

“While gasoline demand has rebounded off lows, yesterday's U.S. demand was down 29.25 percent from a year ago,” he tweeted on Saturday.

Gas price freefall

Gasoline prices went into a freefall in late March, precisely at the time when wholesalers have traditionally charged more for fuel. In a normal year, the price rises until around Memorial Day before beginning to drift lower throughout the summer.

Not only has the coronavirus lockdown reversed that price trend, it has created huge stockpiles of both crude oil and gasoline. Industry experts say it will take a while to work through that surplus and, with about 40 million people out of work and others still limiting their activities, it might take much longer than usual.

CSP, a convenience store trade publication, reports that convenience stores have seen a huge drop in gasoline sales. It quotes Joe Petrowski -- senior adviser for Yesway, West Des Moines, Iowa, and former CEO of Cumberland Gulf Group -- who predicts that the average retailer could face a 23,000 gallon per week decline in gasoline sales in the near term.

Work-at-home trend

If the work-at-home trend takes hold, even after restrictions are lifted, it will likely depress consumer demand for gasoline even more. IHS Markit has predicted that U.S. gasoline demand could plunge by 50 percent until things start getting back to normal.

However, the gasoline futures market is telling a different story. Gasoline futures prices have tripled off their lows and appear to be going higher, even as the industry is confronted with a supply glut that should suggest falling prices.

As a result, consumers may see wide variations in gas prices in the weeks ahead, as some stations try to maintain their profit margins and make up for lost revenue. For that reason, consumers may find the lowest prices at big-box retailers that use gasoline as a loss-leader to get customers in the store. 

The price of gasoline rose in just about every state in the last week as more consumers increased their driving and states began to lift coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is closing in on $2 a gallon, rising three cents a gallon since last Friday to $1.97 a gallon. It’s 21 cents a gallon higher than a month ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.58 a gallon, four cents higher than last week. The average price of diesel fuel has remained stable over the last two weeks at $2.41 a gallon and is four cents a gallon cheaper than a month ago.

Gas prices normally rise during the spring, but industry analysts point to two other factors contributing to higher prices at the pump. Oil prices have begun to recover from their record lows during the height of the lockdown but remain under $40 a barrel.

Demand is also up when compared to April. However, it’s still well below demand recorded in May 2019. That’s one reason gas prices are about 90 cents a gallon less than they were last year.

“Americans have seen significantly cheaper-than-normal gas prices the past two months,” said AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano. “While motorists will see pump prices continue to increase, AAA does not expect the summer average to be as expensive as last year’s season.”

One wildcard that could send prices sharply higher is a couple of bad hurricanes. The 2020 hurricane season begins Monday, and storms that hit the Gulf Coast region particularly hard could interrupt supplies and send prices sharply higher, at least temporarily.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.17)

• California ($2.88)

• Washington ($2.52)

• Oregon ($2.44) 

• Nevada ($2.43)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.23)

• Illinois ($2.23)

• Alaska ($2.22)

• Utah ($2.21)

• New York ($2.18)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.58)

• Arkansas ($1.63)

• Alabama ($1.63)

• Louisiana ($1.64)

• Texas ($1.64)

• Oklahoma ($1.65)

• Missouri ($1.65)

• South Carolina ($1.67)

• Kansas ($1.68)

• Tennessee ($1.70)

While it’s true that far fewer motorists are expected to be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, those who are traveling will probably face rising gasoline prices. Still, the prices will be a lot lower than at this time last year.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $1.94 a gallon, eight cents higher than last weekend. But that’s 90 cents less per gallon than last Memorial Day weekend. The average price of premium gas is $2.54 a gallon, five cents higher than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.41, about the same as last week.

Even though gas prices have started to move higher in the last 10 days as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions have begun to be lifted, prices are still historically low.

“Gas prices around Memorial Day have not been this cheap in nearly 20 years,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA’s spokesperson. “However, as the country continues to practice social distancing, this year’s unofficial kick-off to summer is not going to drive the typical millions of Americans to travel. Despite inexpensive gas prices, AAA anticipates this year’s holiday will likely set a record low for travel volume.”

AAA says motorists can expect gas prices to continue to rise and perhaps go back over $2 a gallon in the next week. As states reopen, demand for gas will increase. At the same time, stations will switch over to summer blends of gasoline, which will cost more.

But consumers shouldn’t face sudden spikes in prices since oil prices remain low and demand may be slow to reach pre-shutdown levels.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.18)

• California ($2.83)

• Washington ($2.48)

• Oregon ($2.41) 

• Nevada ($2.37)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.20)

• Illinois ($2.18)

• New York ($2.17)

• Utah ($2.14)

• Alaska ($2.11)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.55)

• Arkansas ($1.58)

• Oklahoma ($1.59)

• Texas ($1.59)

• Alabama ($1.60)

• Missouri ($1.61)

• Louisiana ($1.63)

• Kansas ($1.64)

• South Carolina ($1.64)

• Tennessee ($1.66)

Gasoline prices resumed their seasonal climb over the last week as more states lifted stay-at-home restrictions and motorists started buying more fuel. Some of the biggest increases occurred in the Midwest and Great Lakes states.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of gasoline is $1.87 a gallon, a nickel increase over last Friday. The average is $1 less than at this time last year. The average price of premium gas is $2.49, four cents higher than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.41, a penny less than last week.

“Pump prices are fluctuating throughout the country as demand increases and gasoline stocks decrease,” said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. “The boost in demand continues to push pump prices up around the country, as more states re-open businesses. Motorists in the Great Lakes, Central, South, and Southeast states are seeing the most volatility at the pump.”

For those in the Southeast, it was the good kind of volatility. At a time when prices are rising in most states, motorists in Georgia enjoyed a four cents a gallon drop in the average price of gas. 

The Southeast is once again the region with the lowest fuel prices while low prices in the Great Lakes states have evaporated over the last two weeks. Wisconsin, which led the nation with the lowest prices for gas, has seen its statewide average surge 46 cents a gallon in the last two weeks.

“For those wondering where those low gas prices in the Great Lakes went, spot gasoline in Chicago, the foundation for the Great Lakes, has surged 286% over the last ~4 weeks,” Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote in a tweet.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.18)

• California ($2.77)

• Washington ($2.45)

• Oregon ($2.38) 

• Nevada ($2.33)

• New York ($2.16)

• Illinois ($2.13)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.11)

• Arizona ($2.08)

• Alaska ($2.06)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Oklahoma ($1.51)

• Arkansas ($1.51)

• Mississippi ($1.51)

• Missouri ($1.53)

• Texas ($1.54)

• Kansas ($1.56)

• Alabama ($1.57)

• South Carolina ($1.59)

• Louisiana ($1.61)

• Tennessee ($1.62)

Gasoline prices have ended their freefall caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and have begun moving higher this week, but only in certain parts of the country.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the average price of regular gas is $1.82 a gallon, five cents more than last Friday. However, it’s still $1.06 less than it was a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.44 a gallon, three cents more than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.42 a gallon, also two cents more than last week.

The price hikes were highly localized. In all 10 states with the most expensive gas, the statewide average price either went down slightly or stayed the same. The biggest changes occurred in the 10 states with the cheapest gas.

Wisconsin, which had the cheapest gas in the nation for the last three weeks, fell out of the top 10 when its average price surged 36 cents a gallon in seven days. It was joined by Ohio and Michigan, both of which saw double-digit price increases.

Prices had been held artificially low over the last seven weeks as people who normally drove their cars to work were working from home. A lack of gasoline demand and falling crude oil prices combined to offset the usual price hikes this time of year, when refineries curtail output as they perform seasonal maintenance and switch over to producing more expensive summer blends.

Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson, says motorists can expect to see prices at the pump continue to edge higher.

“As some states begin to re-open businesses, those states will likely see demand increase and pump prices will likely follow suit,” she said. “Although U.S. gasoline demand has incrementally increased, it remains below six million barrels a day.”

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.18)

• California ($2.74)

• Washington ($2.43)

• Oregon ($2.38) 

• Nevada ($2.31)

• New York ($2.15)

• Arizona ($2.08)

• Illinois ($2.04)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.03)

• Alaska ($2.01)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Oklahoma ($1.42)

• Arkansas ($1.43)

• Missouri ($1.46)

• Mississippi ($1.48)

• Kansas ($1.48)

• Texas ($1.50)

• Tennessee ($1.54)

• Kentucky ($1.55)

• Alabama ($1.55)

• South Carolina ($1.56)

With shutdown orders still in place in most of the country the price of gasoline continued to fall, but it may have reached a bottom, at least for now.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular is $1.77 a gallon, just penny less than a week ago. The average price of premium gas is two cents less than last week -- $2.41 a gallon. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.44 a gallon, down another four cents in the last seven days.

How do today’s falling gas prices compare to the “good old days” of the 1960s? Better than you might think.

Adjusted for inflation, today’s price of regular gasoline is 93 cents a gallon cheaper that it was 60 years ago, in 1960. That year’s average price of 31 cents a gallon is the equivalent of $2.70 in 2020 dollars.

Prices have continued to slide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as demand for gasoline and the price of oil have both crashed. But the price decline this week was offset by sizable increases in a handful of states.

Wisconsin still has the cheapest gas in the nation, but its average price jumped 11 cents a gallon in the last week. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said 66 straight days of price declines ended Thursday as the national average price rose by a penny a gallon, though still lower than a week ago.

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.20)

• California ($2.74)

• Washington ($2.44)

• Oregon ($2.39) 

• Nevada ($2.31)

• New York ($2.16)

• Arizona ($2.11)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.03)

• Alaska ($2.02)

• Utah ($2.01)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Wisconsin ($1.30)

• Oklahoma ($1.37)

• Arkansas ($1.41)

• Missouri ($1.44)

• Ohio ($1.45)

• Michigan ($1.45)

• Kentucky ($1.45)

• Iowa ($1.48)

• Mississippi ($1.48)

• Kansas ($1.48)

Gas prices went down this week, but the rate of decline has slowed, even though the price of oil has fallen off a cliff.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $1.78 a gallon, four cents less than last Friday. At this time a year ago the average price was $2.84 a gallon. The average price of premium gas is $2.43 a gallon, five cents less than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.48 a gallon, down three cents from last week.

On Monday, the futures price of oil for May delivery fell past zero to negative $38. Because of a nationwide economic shutdown, demand for gasoline plunged and producers were running out of places to store their oil.

Oil prices recovered later in the week but are still at levels not seen in more than a decade. Demand for gasoline this week remains low but has stabilized, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

While the national average is just below $1.80 a gallon, many stations around the country are selling fuel for below $1 a gallon.

“One in four U.S. gas stations is selling gas for $1.49 or less,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Even with regional refinery rates dropping, we will continue to see gas prices decrease though potentially at a slower rate than the past few weeks.”

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.22)

• California ($2.78)

• Washington ($2.49)

• Oregon ($2.44) 

• Nevada ($2.35)

• New York ($2.20)

• Arizona ($2.17)

• Utah ($2.08)

• Alaska ($2.07)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.06)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Wisconsin ($1.19)

• Oklahoma ($1.38)

• Ohio ($1.39)

• Michigan ($1.43)

• Kentucky ($1.45)

• Arkansas ($1.45)

• Indiana ($1.46)

• Iowa ($1.49)

• Missouri ($1.49)

• Mississippi ($1.52)

• Kansas ($1.52)

Adjusted for inflation, gasoline prices haven’t been this low since 1998, when Titanic smashed box office records and Seinfeld was must-see TV.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the average price of regular gas is $1.82 a gallon, six cents less than a week ago. It’s a full dollar a gallon less than what consumers paid at this time a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.47 a gallon, also six cents less than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.51, four cents less than a week ago.

At the beginning of the week, AAA reported a sharp drop in gasoline demand, with shelter-in-place rules in many parts of the nation keeping cars off the road. But by mid-week, that trend appeared to be shifting.

“Demand yesterday rose 2.00% from last Wednesday,” Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy wrote in a Thursday tweet. “This week Mon-Wed avg daily demand is up 0.97% from last week same time frame. We haven't seen much more of a drop, but not improving much, either.”

That, along with the rather moderate decline in week-over-week average gas prices, suggests that prices at the pump could be nearing a bottom. The decline may also be slowed by an agreement last week among oil producers to cut production to boost prices.

“While the production cut is historic, it’s likely to not have an immediate impact on pump prices given the ongoing impact the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on crude oil prices and gasoline demand,” said AAA Spokesperson Jeanette Casselano.

Wisconsin continues to have the cheapest gasoline in the nation, and Hawaii has the most expensive.

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.25)

• California ($2.83)

• Washington ($2.55)

• Oregon ($2.51) 

• Nevada ($2.42)

• Arizona ($2.25)

• New York ($2.24)

• Alaska ($2.15)

• Utah ($2.14)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.10)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Wisconsin ($1.26)

• Oklahoma ($1.39)

• Ohio ($1.44)

• Kentucky ($1.49)

• Michigan ($1.49)

• Arkansas ($1.50)

• Indiana ($1.51)

• Iowa ($1.52)

• Mississippi ($1.55)

• Texas ($1.57)

Demand for gasoline continues to drop, and so do prices at the pump.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $1.88 a gallon, another seven cents lower than a week ago. A year ago, the average gas price was $2.76 a gallon. The average price of premium gas is $2.53 a gallon, compared to $2.61 a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.54 a gallon, four cents less than a week ago.

Gas prices have fallen as oil prices appear to have found a floor on hopes that Saudi Arabia and Russia can reach a deal to reduce the amount of oil they pump into world markets.

“This week, market analysts are watching crude oil prices, which started to increase at the end of last week,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “However, given the low demand readings, increases in crude aren’t likely to have an impact on gas prices in the near-term.”

Making these falling prices even more remarkable is the statistic for refinery output. Currently, the nation’s oil refineries are only running at 82 percent of capacity, the lowest level in three years. But even at that level, they’re producing more gasoline than homebound consumers can buy.

Once again, Wisconsin has the lowest gasoline prices in the nation, with the statewide average dropping 13 cents a gallon in the last seven days. Other Midwestern states -- including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky -- also have some of the cheapest gasoline prices in the country.

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.31)

• California ($2.91)

• Washington ($2.64)

• Oregon ($2.59) 

• Nevada ($2.51)

• Alaska ($2.34)

• Arizona ($2.32)

• Utah ($2.23)

• New York ($2.28)

•  Pennsylvania ($2.13)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Wisconsin ($1.38)

• Oklahoma ($1.44)

• Ohio ($1.50)

• Kentucky ($1.55)

• Michigan ($1.57)

• Indiana ($1.58)

• Mississippi ($1.61)

• Texas ($1.62)

• Missouri ($1.62)

• Iowa ($1.62)

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) keeping millions of Americans at home, gasoline demand has fallen off a cliff, dragging gasoline prices down with it.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $1.95 a gallon, down 10 cents in the last week. It’s also the lowest average price in four years. The average price of premium is $2.61 a gallon, nine cents lower than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.58, a nickel lower than last week.

AAA says the declines at the gas pump aren’t over yet. It notes the price of oil, which fell below $20 a barrel earlier this week before rallying, is a big factor. It predicts the national average price could dip to $1.75 a gallon before the end of April.

“AAA expects gas prices to keep dropping as cheap crude combines with the realities of people staying home and less demand for gas,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. 

In a landmark move, the average price of regular gas fell below $3 a gallon in California for the first time in years. That leaves Hawaii as the only state with an average gas price above $3 a gallon. California gas prices have remained stubbornly high after the state raised the gasoline tax in 2018. 

A large number of states saw prices decline by 10 cents a gallon or more since last Friday, but Wisconsin prices have been in a freefall, declining by 17 cents a gallon over the last week, giving it the distinction of having the lowest gas prices in the nation. 

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.34)

• California ($2.99)

• Washington ($2.71)

• Oregon ($2.67) 

• Nevada ($2.60)

• Alaska ($2.47)

• Arizona ($2.41)

• Utah ($2.31)

• New York ($2.31)

•  Idaho ($2.28)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Wisconsin ($1.49)

• Oklahoma ($1.50)

• Ohio ($1.60)

• Kentucky ($1.64)

• Michigan ($1.66)

• Indiana ($1.67)

• Mississippi ($1.68)

• Texas ($1.70)

• Missouri ($1.71)

• Kansas ($1.72)

With Americans told to stay inside and work from home, there have been fewer cars at the gas pump. As a result, prices are in an accelerating freefall.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.05 a gallon, 12 cents less than a week ago and 62 cents cheaper than a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.70 a gallon, down 11 cents from last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.63 a gallon, sixt cents less than last week.

“Typically gas prices start to trend more expensive at the beginning of spring, especially as motorists get out to enjoy the warmer weather and travel for spring break. That is not the case this year,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. 

“With Americans urged to stay at home and practice social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus, we are seeing less traffic on the roadways which will ultimately drive down demand, increase gasoline supply and push pump prices less expensive for the foreseeable future.”

Prices drop in competitive states

At the beginning of the week AAA reported that 29 states had average gas prices under $2 a gallon. Some of the biggest price declines have come in states that sometimes have high prices at the pump. Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin this week have some of the nation’s lowest prices.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says these states often lead gas price declines.

“What’s behind it is that these states see a high level of competition versus others and fall the fastest, but also on the flip, they usually rise amongst the fastest as well,” he told ConsumerAffairs. 

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.41)

• California ($3.12)

• Washington ($2.83

• Oregon ($2.75) 

• Alaska ($2.63)

• Nevada ($2.69)

• Arizona ($2.52)

• Idaho ($2.40)

• Utah ($2.39)

• New York ($2.36) 

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Oklahoma ($1.65)

• Wisconsin ($1.70)

• Ohio ($1.71)

• Kentucky ($1.76)

• Indiana ($1.77)

• Michigan ($1.77)

• Mississippi ($1.78)

• Texas ($1.80)

• Missouri ($1.81)

• South Carolina ($1.81)

Gasoline prices have plunged in the last week as oil prices fell to financial crisis levels and coronavirus fears limited travel.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is $2.17 a gallon, down from $2.30 just seven days ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.83 a gallon, 11 cents a gallon cheaper than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel dropped another seven cents a gallon during the seek, to $2.70 a gallon.

In some states, the plunge has been nothing short of breathtaking. Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana -- not known for low fuel prices  -- are among the 10 states with the lowest gas prices in the nation, displacing Alabama, Louisiana, and Virginia. AAA says two-thirds of all states experienced a double-digit drop in gas prices in the last week.

Oklahoma has the lowest average price this week at $1.80 a gallon, but Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, has found it even cheaper.

“99 CENTS IS HERE,” DeHaan tweeted on Thursday. “Just got off the phone to verify, but a BP station in London, Ky., has dropped its price to 99 CENTS PER GALLON.”

“AAA expects gas prices to continue trending cheaper, with the high likelihood of the national average hitting $2/gallon before the end of March,” said AAA’s spokesperson Jeanette Casselano.

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.51)

• California ($3.28)

• Washington ($2.96)

• Oregon ($2.97 

• Alaska ($2.81)

• Nevada ($2.78)

• Arizona ($2.63)

• Idaho ($2.51)

• Utah ($2.46)

• New York ($2.45) 

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Oklahoma ($1.80)

• Ohio ($1.85)

• Indiana ($1.88)

• Texas ($1.91)

• Kentucky ($1.91)

• Mississippi ($1.91)

• Missouri ($1.91)

• South Carolina ($1.92)

• Michigan ($1.93)

• Wisconsin ($1.94)

When Saudi Arabia slashed the price of oil a week ago, it sent a shock wave through the economy but gave motorists a gift -- sharply lower gasoline prices.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is $2.30 a gallon, down 10 cents in the last week. The price is now 21 cents less than a year ago. The average price of premium gas is $2.93 a gallon, eight cents less than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.77, six cents less than seven days ago.

The one-week price drops in some states have been nothing short of dramatic. The statewide average price is down 14 cents a gallon in both Illinois and Indiana, making the latter one of the 10 cheapest states for gas prices.

The average price is lower by 11 cents a gallon in Oklahoma, 10 cents in South Carolina, and nine cents in Missouri. The statewide average price in Texas has fallen below $2 a gallon for the first time in years.

AAA notes that the steep price drop has occurred while U.S. stockpiles of gasoline have declined in the last week and demand has increased.

“Shrinking gas stocks amid rising demand would typically put upward pressure on gasoline prices; however, cheap crude prices have helped to push gas prices lower than expected,” AAA said in its latest market update.”If crude prices remain low, American motorists will likely see continued relief at the pump during the run-up to spring as the world grapples with how to contain the global public health threat and financial risks associated with COVID-19.”

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.53)

• California ($3.39)

• Washington ($3.05)

• Oregon ($2.95) 

• Alaska ($2.91)

• Nevada ($2.85)

• Arizona ($2.70)

• Idaho ($2.55)

• Pennsylvania ($2.53)

• New York ($2.53) 

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Texas ($1.99)

• Oklahoma ($2.02)

• Mississippi ($2.03)

• South Carolina ($2.03)

• Missouri ($2.04)

• Louisiana ($2.05)

• Alabama ($2.06)

• Arkansas ($2.08)

• Indiana ($2.08)

• Kansas ($2.09)

An oil price war and escalating fears of the coronavirus are creating a perfect economic storm that will likely have two short-term results that are beneficial to consumers -- falling gasoline prices and record low mortgage rates.

Saudi Arabia launched an oil price war over the weekend, slashing prices by 20 percent overnight. The move is aimed at driving out weaker competitors and came after OPEC was unable to reach a production agreement with Russia.

As a result, U.S. oil refiners will pay significantly less for crude oil at a time when they normally curtail operations for maintenance and boost the price of gasoline. Instead of rising gasoline prices this spring, consumers may find them going even lower.

“Just the third collapse in crude oil prices during my career. 2008, 2015 and now 2020,” GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan wrote in a Sunday tweet. “Truly a remarkably past few days- never did I anticipate my somewhat wild prediction 2 weeks ago of $25-$35/bbl WTI coming true.”

Gas stations may react to the lower oil prices this week. Today, the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey puts the national average price of regular gas at $2.38 a gallon, five cents less than a week ago and nine cents less than a year ago.

Blame the coronavirus

The coronavirus is the catalyst in all of this. Fears of the economic damage being caused by the disease caused a sharp drop in oil demand, prompting the Saudis to act. It’s also sending investors fleeing from the world’s stock market and into U.S. Treasury bonds.

The more investors buy bonds, the lower the yield goes. The 10-year bond started trading Monday offering a record low yield of 0.44 percent, with some market analysts predicting it could go to zero.

That, in turn, is sending mortgage rates lower. Just last week, Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage had fallen to 3.29 percent, a record low. With bond yields still falling, home buyers and those refinancing existing mortgages could see even lower rates.

Long-term impact?

While consumers may enjoy lower fuel prices and mortgage rates in the short-term, the longer-term impact is less certain. The twin nose dives of the oil and bond yields have already taken a heavy toll on the value of stock portfolios. Most market-watchers agree that the stock market has farther to fall.

Meanwhile, more attention is being focused on the cause of all this turmoil -- the coronavirus, codenamed COVID-19. Public health officials in the U.S. and abroad continue to ramp up efforts to contain the outbreak, with now over 100,000 confirmed cases in the U.S.

Fears of the coronavirus have sent oil prices lower, but that has yet to translate into much lower prices at the gas pump. Consumers are paying roughly what they did a week earlier.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.45 a gallon, about a penny less than last Friday. That price is only six cents more than at this time last year.

The average price of premium is $3.05 a gallon, down a penny from last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.86 a gallon, a penny less than last week.

Prices normally start to move higher at this time of year as refineries begin maintenance and switch over to producing more expensive summer blends of gasoline. But Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says the effects of the coronavirus may alter that seasonal pattern.

DeHaan says plunging oil prices could delay, offset, or shorten the normal seasonal upswing that generally starts this time of year. He says that could translate into a few extra weeks of lower prices at the pump before they begin their inevitable rise.

While most states saw prices edge up slightly during the week Michigan was a happy exception, with motorists enjoying gas prices that were seven cents a gallon lower than the previous week.

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.57)

• California ($3.48)

• Washington ($3.09)

• Nevada ($2.90)

• Oregon ($2.98) 

• Alaska ($2.94)

• Arizona ($2.76)

• Pennsylvania ($2.67)

• Illinois ($2.65)

• New York ($2.61) 

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($2.18)

• Texas ($2.15)

• Mississippi ($2.14)

• Louisiana ($2.17)

• Alabama ($2.20)

• Arkansas ($2.20)

• South Carolina ($2.20)

• Oklahoma ($2.20)

• Kansas ($2.22)

• Virginia ($2.24)

Motorists paid a little more for gasoline this week, particularly in the Southeast where the price at the pump is usually the lowest in the nation. Several southeastern states saw sizable one-week price hikes.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the average price of regular is $2.46 a gallon, three cents higher than a week ago. That’s eight cents less than a month ago. The average price of premium is $3.06 a gallon, up two cents from a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.87 a gallon, two cents cheaper than last week.

Earlier this week, Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported that the seasonal rise in gasoline prices appears to have begun. Around this time of year, oil refineries begin maintenance, which reduces output. They will also begin switching over the summer-grade fuel blends, which cost more.

States where prices are generally the cheapest saw some of the biggest price increases this week. The statewide average rose eight cents a gallon in Missouri and Texas and seven cents a gallon in South Carolina.

A decline in gasoline supplies during the previous week also put upward pressure on prices, especially because demand for fuel increased. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 2 million barrels. 

The states with the most expensive regular gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.57)

• California ($3.49)

• Washington ($3.08)

• Nevada ($2.91)

• Oregon ($2.97) 

• Alaska ($2.93)

• Arizona ($2.77)

• Pennsylvania ($2.66)

• Illinois ($2.63)

• New York ($2.60) 

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Missouri ($2.15)

• Texas ($2.15)

• Mississippi ($2.12)

• Louisiana ($2.14)

• Alabama ($2.17)

• Arkansas ($2.18)

• South Carolina ($2.19)

• Oklahoma ($2.20)

• Kansas ($2.20)

• Virginia ($2.22)