Drivers filling up today are paying less at the pump compared to a month ago, according to the latest AAA data. As of May 6, 2025, the national average for regular unleaded gas sits at $3.158 per gallon.
Although prices are slightly higher than they were just yesterday, they continue a broader trend of decline compared to earlier this year.
National gas price trends: May 2025
Here’s how today’s gas prices compare to recent averages:
| Timeframe | Regular Gas Price |
|---|---|
| Today | $3.158 |
| Yesterday | $3.165 |
| One Week Ago | $3.160 |
| One Month Ago | $3.258 |
| One Year Ago | $3.651 |
- Mid-grade gas: $3.639
- Premium gas: $3.994
- Diesel: $3.540
- E85 fuel: $2.580
While national prices are lower than a year ago by nearly 50 cents, they remain well above pre-pandemic norms.
Regional breakdown of gas prices
State-by-state, gas prices continue to show wide gaps:
- Most expensive states: California, Hawaii, and Washington, where regular gas averages well over $4.00 per gallon.
- Least expensive states: Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, where prices hover between $2.65 and $2.85 per gallon.
Price range across states today
| Price Range (per gallon) | States Included |
|---|---|
| $4.78 to $3.30 | West Coast (CA, WA, HI) |
| $3.30 to $3.10 | Northeast, some Midwest states |
| $3.09 to $2.98 | Central U.S. |
| $2.98 to $2.85 | Southern states |
| $2.85 to $2.65 | Gulf Coast, parts of the South |
Why gas prices are moving lower
Several factors have contributed to the recent easing in gas prices:
- Crude oil prices have softened amid global recession fears and increasing supply from OPEC+ producers.
- Refinery maintenance season is wrapping up, boosting fuel supply ahead of peak summer driving months.
- Reduced demand during the spring shoulder season has temporarily lowered pressure on gasoline markets.
Additionally, despite new tariffs introduced earlier this year, widespread consumer-level price hikes have been modest so far.
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Highest recorded gas prices
To put things in perspective, today’s national average is far below record highs:
- Regular unleaded peak: $5.016 per gallon (June 14, 2022)
- Diesel peak: $5.815 per gallon (June 19, 2022)
What’s next for gas prices?
Industry analysts believe national gas prices could fall below $3 per gallon by early summer if crude oil remains stable and refinery output increases. However, factors like hurricane season disruptions, escalating global tensions, or supply chain issues could still push prices higher later in 2025.
Tips for saving on gas
- Shop around: Apps like GasBuddy help find the cheapest stations nearby.
- Use rewards programs: Grocery store points or gas loyalty cards can shave off a few cents per gallon.
- Drive smarter: Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking to boost fuel efficiency.
Key takeaway
National gas prices today are down about 50 cents compared to this time last year, offering some relief for drivers. As summer travel ramps up, prices are expected to stay volatile but may trend slightly lower if current market conditions hold.
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