Retail gasoline prices vary significantly across US states due to differences in state fuel taxes, proximity to oil refineries, local environmental regulations, and regional supply chains. California typically leads in gas prices due to its unique fuel blend requirements and high state taxes, while Gulf Coast states like Texas and Mississippi tend to be the cheapest due to proximity to refineries.

All data is sourced directly from the EIA Weekly Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices dataset, updated every Monday for the prior week. This is a public domain dataset provided by the US federal government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do gas prices vary so much between states?▾

State fuel taxes are the biggest driver — they range from about 14 cents/gallon (Alaska) to over 68 cents/gallon (California). Other factors include proximity to refineries (Gulf Coast states pay less), state environmental requirements (California requires a special fuel blend), pipeline infrastructure, and local competition among retailers.

Which state has the cheapest gas in the US?▾

Gas is typically cheapest in states along the Gulf Coast (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana) and in states with low fuel taxes (Oklahoma, South Carolina, Missouri). These states benefit from proximity to the Houston refinery complex and fewer regulatory requirements on fuel formulations.

When do gas prices peak each year?▾

Gas prices typically peak in late spring and summer (May-August) due to higher driving demand and the switch to more expensive summer fuel blends required by the EPA. Prices usually fall in the fall and winter. The biggest spikes are often driven by crude oil price increases or refinery outages.

What is the EIA and how reliable is this data?▾

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is a federal statistical agency within the Department of Energy. Their weekly gas price survey is conducted by a network of retail price reporters across all 50 states. It's considered the most authoritative source for US retail fuel price data and is used by the media, government, and industry.