Drivers across the U.S. are feeling more pain at the pump as gas prices surged more than 10 cents over the past week, bringing the national average for a gallon of regular to $3.26, according to new data released Thursday.
It’s the biggest weekly increase in months, and while prices remain lower than a year ago—when the average sat at $3.54—they are climbing sharply as the seasonal switch to summer-blend fuel and ongoing refinery maintenance squeeze supply.
Compared to a month ago, when drivers paid an average of $3.09 per gallon, the uptick is notable but expected for this time of year. The last time prices reached this level was in September.
Gasoline demand has dipped slightly, dropping from 8.64 to 8.49 million barrels per day, according to the Energy Information Administration. At the same time, domestic gasoline supply has fallen by 1.5 million barrels, though production rose to 9.3 million barrels per day. Crude oil inventories also saw a sizable boost of 6.2 million barrels, while the price of West Texas Intermediate crude edged up to $71.71 per barrel.
Drivers in California are paying the highest prices in the country, with an average of $4.91 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.52) and Washington ($4.30). Meanwhile, Mississippi continues to offer the cheapest gas at $2.74, trailed by Tennessee and Oklahoma.
For electric vehicle owners, the average public charging rate held steady at 34 cents per kilowatt hour. Hawaii leads with the most expensive charging costs at 56 cents, while Kansas remains the most affordable at just 22 cents.
Whether filling up with gas or plugging in an EV, motorists can check real-time prices using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
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