National overview
The U.S. national average hit $3.58/gallon for regular gas on March 12, 2026 — up 20% from $2.98 before the war. But state-level prices vary dramatically.
Most expensive states (as of March 13, 2026)
- California: $5.50-6.50/gallon (highest state taxes + strict fuel regulations)
- Hawaii: $5.20/gallon (island supply chain premium)
- Washington: $4.80/gallon (high state gas tax)
- Nevada: $4.50/gallon (limited refineries)
- Oregon: $4.40/gallon (gas tax + supply constraints)
Least expensive states
- Mississippi: $3.10/gallon (low state taxes)
- Texas: $3.15/gallon (refining capacity, low taxes)
- Louisiana: $3.18/gallon (Gulf Coast refining hub)
- Oklahoma: $3.20/gallon (oil-producing state)
- Arkansas: $3.22/gallon (low taxes, proximity to refineries)
Why prices differ so much
- State gas taxes: Range from $0.09/gallon (Alaska) to $0.68/gallon (California)
- Refinery proximity: States near Gulf Coast refineries pay less
- Fuel formulation rules: California requires special blends that cost more
- Supply logistics: Hawaii and Alaska face shipping costs
- Competition: States with more gas stations tend to have lower margins
Tips regardless of your state
- Use GasBuddy or Gas Guru apps to find cheapest nearby stations
- Price difference between stations in the same city can be $0.30-0.50
- Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s) typically save $0.15-0.30/gallon
- Pay with cash where discounts are offered (savings of $0.05-0.10/gallon)
Sources: AAA via CNBC, PBS