Average Gas Prices Statistics in US 2025 | Key Facts

Average Gas Prices in America 2025

Understanding the landscape of fuel costs across the United States requires examining multiple data points that reveal both encouraging trends and ongoing challenges for American consumers. The current state of gasoline pricing reflects a complex interplay of factors including global crude oil markets, domestic refining capacity, regional variations, and seasonal demand patterns that collectively shape what drivers pay at the pump each day.

As we navigate through 2025, the American fuel market presents a picture of remarkable relief for consumers nationwide. The national average gasoline price has fallen below the psychologically significant $3.00 per gallon mark for the first time since May 2021, representing a major milestone that provides substantial savings to millions of American households. This stabilization and decline stem from multiple factors including normalized supply chains, strategic inventory management, refined distribution networks, and favorable crude oil pricing dynamics. Regional differences continue to play a significant role, with coastal areas typically experiencing higher prices due to transportation costs and specific fuel formulation requirements, while states with substantial refining infrastructure enjoy lower rates that benefit local consumers and businesses alike.

Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics for Average Gas Prices in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), GasBuddy, AAA Fuel Gauge Report, November 2025

The latest statistics paint a compelling picture of the current fuel pricing environment across America. The national average for regular gasoline currently stands at $3.055 per gallon as of late November 2025, marking a historic achievement as prices have dipped below the $3.00 threshold for the first time in over four years. This represents an exceptionally rare occurrence where all 50 states experienced price decreases within a single seven-day period, demonstrating broad-based relief at the pump nationwide. The most affordable fuel can be found in Oklahoma at just $2.50 per gallon, while California maintains the highest prices at $4.63 per gallon, illustrating a $2.13 difference between the cheapest and most expensive state markets.

According to verified data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the weekly national average for the week ending November 24, 2025 was recorded at $3.19 per gallon, demonstrating relatively stable pricing compared to the same period in 2024 when prices averaged $3.04 per gallon. When adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, current prices represent the lowest Thanksgiving-period gasoline costs since 2020, providing substantial purchasing power relief to American consumers. The achievement of nearly 30 states maintaining average prices below $3.00 per gallon reflects a fundamental shift in market dynamics driven by abundant crude oil supply, robust refinery output, and seasonally weaker fuel demand patterns.

National Average Gas Prices in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), AAA, November 2025

The national pricing trends for average gas prices throughout 2025 reveal a sustained period of consumer-friendly pricing that contrasts sharply with the volatility experienced in previous years. The current national average of $3.055 per gallon for regular gasoline represents the culmination of a gradual decline that accelerated during the fall months, with October seeing a significant $0.20 drop compared to September levels. This downward trajectory has been primarily driven by falling crude oil prices, with Brent crude averaging $63.94 per barrel through November 2025, marking its lowest monthly average in real terms since December 2020.

The premium gasoline market mirrors this stability, with current prices averaging $4.01 per gallon nationally, maintaining a premium of approximately $0.955 over regular-grade fuel. The year-to-date average for 2025 stands at approximately $3.15 per gallon, representing a 10% decrease compared to 2024 levels and providing billions of dollars in aggregate savings to American consumers and businesses. The Thanksgiving holiday period witnessed prices holding steady at $3.02 per gallon, an increase of only $0.02 compared to the same period in 2024, which equates to less than inflation and represents an effective decrease in real purchasing terms. Market analysts attribute this remarkable stability to several converging factors including record U.S. oil production averaging 13.6 million barrels per day, additional OPEC+ supply entering global markets, and refined seasonal demand patterns.

Regional Average Gas Prices by State in the US 2025

Data Source: AAA Fuel Gauge Report, U.S. Energy Information Administration, November 2025

Regional variations in average gas prices across the United States in 2025 continue to reflect the profound impact of local market conditions, refining infrastructure, tax policies, and geographic positioning. The West Coast maintains the distinction of hosting the nation’s most expensive fuel markets, with California leading at $4.63 per gallon, a figure that represents a 51% premium over the national average. This elevated pricing stems from multiple factors including strict environmental regulations requiring specialized fuel formulations, limited pipeline connections to major refining centers, recent refinery closures such as the Phillips 66 Wilmington refinery in Los Angeles, and California’s state-specific taxes that add substantial costs per gallon.

The South Central states dominate the list of most affordable gasoline markets, with Oklahoma, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas all maintaining averages below $2.70 per gallon. This pricing advantage reflects proximity to the Gulf Coast refining complex, which accounts for more than half of U.S. refining capacity and benefits from direct access to domestic crude oil production from major shale formations including the Permian Basin. The $2.13 spread between the highest and lowest state prices illustrates the dramatic impact of regional factors on consumer fuel costs. States in the Gulf Coast region averaged $2.64 per gallon on November 24, maintaining rough parity with 2024 levels, while the East Coast averaged $2.99 per gallon, down 1% year-over-year, and the Rocky Mountain region averaged $2.87 per gallon, representing a 2% increase from the previous year.

Crude Oil Prices Impact on Gas Prices in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, CME Group, Refinitiv, November 2025

The relationship between crude oil prices and gasoline costs remains fundamental to understanding fuel market dynamics in 2025. Crude oil typically accounts for approximately 50% of the retail price of gasoline, though this percentage has declined to around 43% in recent months as refining margins and distribution costs have assumed larger proportional shares. The dramatic decline in crude oil prices throughout 2025 has been the primary catalyst for lower pump prices, with Brent crude currently trading around $58.89 per barrel and averaging $63.94 per barrel through November, representing its lowest sustained level in real terms since the pandemic-era disruptions of December 2020.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the primary U.S. benchmark, closed at $59.60 per barrel on November 6, 2025, down 96 cents in a single trading session and representing a 12% decline compared to 2024 average levels. This downward pressure on crude pricing stems from fundamental supply-demand dynamics, with global oil inventories projected to continue rising through 2026 as production growth outpaces consumption increases. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that Brent crude will decline further to an average of $54 per barrel in the first quarter of 2026 and $55 per barrel for the full year, suggesting continued relief at the pump for American consumers. Record U.S. oil production averaging 13.6 million barrels per day in 2025, combined with additional supply from OPEC+ producers, has created a well-supplied global market that limits significant price increases even amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Gasoline Demand and Consumption in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), November 2025

Gasoline demand patterns in the United States during 2025 reflect the natural seasonal fluctuations typical of the domestic fuel market, with current consumption levels demonstrating the characteristic decline associated with the post-summer driving season. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand decreased from 8.92 million barrels per day to 8.87 million barrels per day in recent weeks, representing a modest softening as Americans reduce discretionary travel following the busy summer months. This demand tapering occurs precisely when refinery output reaches peak efficiency following the completion of autumn maintenance schedules, creating favorable supply conditions that contribute to lower prices.

Total domestic gasoline stockpiles decreased from 210.7 million barrels to 206 million barrels during the same period, though inventory levels remain adequate to meet current consumption patterns without triggering supply concerns. Gasoline production has remained robust, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day as refineries operate at strong utilization rates after completing scheduled maintenance programs. The seasonal shift to winter-blend gasoline, which is less expensive to produce than the summer formulation required to meet stringent air quality standards, provides additional downward pressure on retail prices during the colder months. The Thanksgiving holiday period in 2025 witnessed record travel volumes, with 81.8 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home, representing an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024 and demonstrating robust demand despite broader economic uncertainties.

Forecast for Average Gas Prices in the US 2026

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Short-Term Energy Outlook, November 2025

The outlook for gasoline prices in 2026 presents an optimistic scenario for American consumers, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration projecting that national average prices will remain below the $3.00 per gallon threshold throughout much of the year. The November 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts annual average gasoline prices of approximately $3.00 per gallon for 2026, representing a 10% decline compared to 2024 levels and continuing the downward trajectory established throughout 2025. This projection assumes continued favorable crude oil pricing, with Brent crude expected to average $55 per barrel for the full year 2026, down from approximately $72 per barrel in 2024.

The primary driver of this sustained low-price environment centers on global oil market fundamentals, particularly the expectation that worldwide crude inventories will continue expanding through 2026 as production growth from U.S. shale operations and OPEC+ members outpaces demand increases. U.S. crude oil production is forecast to maintain record levels of 13.6 million barrels per day throughout 2026, providing ample domestic supply to refiners and reducing reliance on imported crude. The EIA notes that crude oil’s share of gasoline retail prices will decline to approximately 43% in 2026, down from the typical 50% contribution, as refining margins and distribution costs maintain relatively stable pricing. Diesel fuel prices are similarly projected to average $3.50 per gallon in 2026, representing a 7% decrease compared to 2024, benefiting commercial transportation operations and logistics companies that rely heavily on diesel-powered vehicles.

Gasoline Tax Rates by State in the US 2025

Data Source: American Petroleum Institute, State Government Taxation Data, 2025

State and federal gasoline taxes represent a significant component of the retail price paid by consumers at the pump, with combined tax burdens varying dramatically across different jurisdictions. The federal gasoline tax remains fixed at 18.4 cents per gallon, a rate that has not changed since 1993 and thus has significantly eroded in real terms due to inflation. State taxes, however, vary widely based on each state’s fiscal needs, infrastructure funding requirements, and political priorities, ranging from as low as 14 cents per gallon in states like Alaska to over 57 cents per gallon in California when including both excise taxes and additional environmental fees.

The national average state gasoline tax stands at approximately 31.67 cents per gallon across all 50 states, meaning that combined federal and state taxes typically account for about 50 cents of every gallon purchased, or roughly 16-17% of the total retail price at current price levels. High-tax states such as Pennsylvania (58.7 cents/gallon), Illinois (59.6 cents/gallon), and California (57.9 cents/gallon) use these substantial fuel tax revenues to fund transportation infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and public transit systems. Conversely, low-tax states benefit from either different revenue structures or lower infrastructure demands relative to their populations. These tax differentials explain a significant portion of the regional price variations observed across the country, with residents of high-tax coastal states paying substantially more than their counterparts in lower-tax interior and southern states, even when underlying crude oil and refining costs remain similar.

Refining Capacity and Production in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, November 2025

The United States maintains the world’s largest refining capacity at approximately 18 million barrels per day, providing the infrastructure necessary to convert crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products that power the economy. The Gulf Coast region dominates this capacity, accounting for more than 50% of national refining capability and benefiting from proximity to domestic crude production from major shale formations, deep-water Gulf of Mexico operations, and import terminals receiving international crude supplies. This concentration of refining infrastructure in the South Central states directly contributes to the lower gasoline prices observed in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Refinery utilization rates in late 2025 have returned to strong levels following the completion of autumn maintenance schedules, with facilities operating in the high 80% range of capacity and producing approximately 9.8 million barrels per day of gasoline to meet domestic demand. The recent permanent closure of the Phillips 66 Wilmington refinery in Los Angeles has tightened West Coast supply conditions, contributing to the elevated prices observed in California and necessitating increased gasoline imports from Asian refiners and other domestic sources. Despite this capacity reduction, national gasoline inventories remain at adequate levels of 206 million barrels, providing sufficient supply buffers to meet demand fluctuations without triggering shortages or price spikes. The industry’s refined product slate continues to adjust seasonally, with the transition to winter-blend gasoline allowing for more cost-effective production during the colder months when evaporative emission standards are less stringent.

Price Comparison: 2025 vs Previous Years in the US

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Historical Data, 2020-2025

The multi-year trend in average gasoline prices reveals a dramatic cycle of volatility followed by gradual normalization that has characterized the post-pandemic era. The historic spike to over $5.00 per gallon in June 2022 represented the peak of a supply-constrained environment created by pandemic-related refinery closures, reduced crude production, surging post-lockdown demand, and geopolitical disruptions affecting global oil markets. That year saw annual average prices reach $4.32 per gallon, representing a 45% increase over 2021 levels and creating significant economic strain for consumers and businesses dependent on transportation fuels.

The subsequent years have witnessed a steady retreat from those peaks, with 2023 averaging $3.80 per gallon (down 12%), 2024 averaging $3.50 per gallon (down 8%), and 2025 on track to average approximately $3.15 per gallon (down 10%). This three-year decline totaling nearly 27% from the 2022 peak reflects the fundamental rebalancing of global oil markets as production capacity expanded, supply chains normalized, strategic reserves were deployed and later replenished, and demand moderated from pandemic-recovery highs. The 2025 low of $2.99 per gallon achieved in late November represents a return to pre-2022 crisis pricing levels and provides welcome relief to households and businesses after several years of elevated fuel costs. Looking forward to 2026, projections suggest continued stability or modest declines, potentially bringing sustained sub-$3.00 average pricing that would mark a return to the cost structure last seen consistently before pandemic-era disruptions fundamentally altered global energy markets.

Economic Impact of Gas Prices on US Households 2025

Data Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, EIA Analysis, 2025

The economic implications of sustained lower gasoline prices in 2025 extend far beyond the immediate relief felt at the pump, generating substantial aggregate savings that boost household budgets and support broader consumer spending. The average American household consumes approximately 540 gallons of gasoline annually based on typical driving patterns of 13,500 miles per vehicle and fleet-average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. At current prices averaging $3.15 per gallon for 2025, this translates to annual fuel expenditures of approximately $1,700 per household, compared to over $2,330 during the 2022 price spike when averages exceeded $4.32 per gallon.

This $630 annual savings per household, when multiplied across America’s approximately 130 million households, generates aggregate consumer savings exceeding $80 billion annually compared to 2022 peak levels, and approximately $45 billion compared to 2024 averages. These savings function as an effective tax cut, increasing discretionary income available for other expenditures including retail purchases, dining, entertainment, and savings. The ripple effects extend throughout the economy, as lower transportation costs reduce delivery expenses for businesses, decrease operating costs for logistics companies, and lower input costs for industries ranging from agriculture to construction. Inflation-adjusted gasoline prices in late 2025 have returned to levels not seen since the pre-pandemic period, providing real purchasing power gains that benefit household budgets and contribute to overall economic stability despite other inflationary pressures affecting food, housing, and services.

Environmental and Alternative Fuel Trends in the US 2025

Data Source: Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, 2025

The alternative fuel landscape in the United States continues evolving rapidly during 2025, with electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerating despite the current low gasoline prices that might otherwise discourage transitions away from conventional internal combustion engines. Electric vehicle sales surpassed 1.5 million units in 2025, representing approximately 9% of all new vehicle sales and marking a 25% year-over-year increase from 2024 levels. This growth trajectory reflects improving vehicle technology, expanding model availability across all vehicle segments, enhanced battery ranges exceeding 300 miles for many models, and a dramatically expanded public charging infrastructure now totaling over 165,000 charging ports nationwide.

Hybrid vehicles, which combine gasoline engines with electric motors to achieve superior fuel economy, sold over 850,000 units in 2025, capturing approximately 5% of new vehicle sales and growing 18% year-over-year. The total U.S. electric vehicle fleet now exceeds 5 million vehicles, though this still represents less than 2% of the approximately 280 million vehicles on American roads, indicating substantial room for future growth. Public charging costs average approximately 35 cents per kilowatt-hour nationally, with significant regional variations, and when compared against current gasoline prices provide competitive operating costs particularly for drivers with access to lower-cost home charging. Ethanol-blended fuels, primarily the E10 blend containing 10% ethanol, now constitute 97% of gasoline sold nationwide, representing a mature biofuel integration that reduces dependence on petroleum while supporting domestic agriculture through corn-based ethanol production that totals approximately 15 billion gallons annually.

Geographic Price Distribution in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration PADD Regional Data, November 2025

The Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADD) regional framework, established during World War II and still used today for petroleum market analysis, reveals distinct pricing zones that reflect fundamental supply-demand dynamics and infrastructure realities. PADD 3 (Gulf Coast) maintains its position as the nation’s most affordable region at $2.64 per gallon on November 24, 2025, benefiting from hosting more than 50% of U.S. refining capacity, direct access to prolific domestic crude production, and lower state fuel taxes compared to coastal regions. States in this district including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama enjoy what effectively amounts to a structural price advantage that saves residents hundreds of dollars annually compared to their coastal counterparts.

PADD 5 (West Coast) presents the inverse situation, with average prices of $4.07 per gallon reflecting the region’s geographic isolation, limited pipeline connections to other major refining centers, stringent environmental regulations requiring specialized fuel blends, recent refinery capacity reductions, and higher state taxes particularly in California. The $1.43 price differential between PADD 3 and PADD 5 represents a 54% premium that West Coast consumers pay due to these structural factors. PADD 1 (East Coast) at $2.99 per gallon benefits from diverse supply sources including domestic production, Gulf Coast shipments via pipeline and tanker, and international imports through major port facilities, while PADD 2 (Midwest) at $2.85 per gallon enjoys access to Canadian crude imports and pipeline connections to Gulf Coast refineries. PADD 4 (Rocky Mountain) at $2.87 per gallon faces supply constraints similar to the West Coast but serves a smaller population with lower aggregate demand.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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