US gas prices fall below $3 on average, except in these states

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline across the United States has fallen below $3 for the first time in over four years, although not all states are seeing this decrease.

AAA reported that, as of Tuesday, the national average is $2.999 per gallon. The country has not experienced prices this low since May 2021. Analysts point to falling crude oil costs and reduced demand as key factors driving the drop. Additionally, winter blend gasoline, which is cheaper to refine than summer blends, is contributing to lower pump prices.

Oklahoma currently offers the lowest gas prices, with regular fuel averaging $2.40 per gallon, followed closely by Texas at $2.53. Across 32 states, the average price is now under $3, while several others are just above this threshold. For instance, Maine averages $3.01 per gallon, and New Jersey sits at $3.001.

California remains the state with the highest fuel costs, at $4.51 per gallon, slightly down from $4.56 last week but higher than $4.39 at this time last year. Hawaii ($4.44) and Washington ($4.14) are the only other states with averages above $4 per gallon.

States with Gas Prices at or Above $3 per Gallon

• Alaska: $3.68
• Arizona: $3.27
• California: $4.51
• Connecticut: $3.07
• District of Columbia: $3.20
• Hawaii: $4.44
• Idaho: $3.19
• Illinois: $3.12
• Maine: $3.01
• Massachusetts: $3.02
• Nevada: $3.68
• New Jersey: $3.00
• New York: $3.12
• Oregon: $3.75
• Pennsylvania: $3.20
• Utah: $3.02
• Vermont: $3.11
• Washington: $4.14

Even in some of these states, individual cities may offer gas for less than $3 per gallon. For example, Decatur, Illinois, averages $2.73, while in Vail, Colorado, the price is $3.35, above the state average of $2.99.

Experts suggest waiting until the start of the week to fill up, as gas prices tend to be lower then.

Author: Ethan Caldwell