The topic page on gas prices offers a comprehensive overview of how gasoline prices fluctuate due to various factors, including seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, geopolitical events, and natural disasters. It highlights the impact of these variables on the national average price of gas and diesel, providing insights into trends and future predictions. The articles explore historical data, regional differences, consumer behavior, and the economic implications of rising or falling gas prices. Additionally, the content addresses related issues such as electric vehicle market trends, fuel economy, and government investigations into price manipulation, providing a holistic view of the factors influencing gas prices.
The nation’s average price of gasoline has risen 3.1 cents over the last week and stands at $2.76 per gallon, according to GasBuddy® data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
The national average is down 8.6 cents from a month ago and is 32.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
The national average price of diesel fell 1.0 cents in the last week and stands at $3.465 per gallon.
Changes in trade policy, namely tariffs, and oil production are expected to lower gas prices.
Gas prices are expected to come down to around $3.10 a gallon in 2025 and 2026 from $3.30 a gallon in 2024.
Still, there is uncertainty about how oil markets could react in the coming months if trade policy continues to change.
One benefit from tariffs could be seen at the pump.
Recent developments in global trade policy and oil production are expected to lower demand growth for U.S.-exported petroleum through 2026, sending gas prices down, according to the latest short-term outlook from the Energy Information Administration.
The EIA said it expects gas prices to be around $3.10 a gallon in 2025 and 2026, down from $3.30 a gallon in 2024.
"If the forecast holds, this price would be the lowest inflation-adjusted summer average gasoline price since 2020," the EIA said.
President Trump's announcements of tariffs sent the price of brent crude down 12% to $68 a barrel on April 2, the EIA said.
Inflation also declined in March for the first time in five years, largely because of lower gas prices, according to the Consumer Price Index.
But there is other uncertainty about the future of trade policy and how that will affect gas prices, the EIA said.
For instance, existing sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, which could change, are also affecting oil prices, the EIA said.
Propane prices are also expected to lower due to tariffs weakening demand demand from China, which is a major importer of U.S. propane, the EIA said.
The EIA said it expects propane prices to fall to 50 cents a gallon in 2026 from 80 cents a gallon in 2025.
"Some propane previously exported to China will likely find new destinations." the EIA said.
