AAA predicts the national average gas price will reach $3.65/gallon this summer — up from $3.20 currently but well below the $5+ peak of 2022.
Price Forecast
- April: $3.20-$3.35 (current)
- May: $3.40-$3.55 (summer blend transition)
- June-August: $3.50-$3.75 (peak travel season)
- September: $3.30-$3.45 (demand drops post-Labor Day)
Cheapest States
Mississippi ($2.75), Texas ($2.85), Oklahoma ($2.80), and Arkansas ($2.82) consistently have the lowest prices thanks to proximity to refineries and lower state taxes.
Most Expensive
California ($4.85), Hawaii ($4.50), Washington ($4.20), and Nevada ($4.00) lead on cost due to state taxes, environmental regulations, and transportation costs.
Save Money
Use GasBuddy or Google Maps to find cheapest stations. Costco membership saves $0.20-$0.40/gallon. Grocery store fuel rewards (Kroger, Safeway) stack up quickly.
