Just weeks before millions of Americans hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, gas prices are rising nationwide. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $3.192, up 4 cents from last week and 2 cents from a month ago.
Despite the increase, drivers are still paying about 40 cents less than they were this time last year, when the national average stood at $3.60.
Seasonal spike arrives later than usual
AAA reports that the typical spring surge in gas prices arrived later this year due to lower crude oil prices throughout early 2025. But with demand increasing and domestic supply shrinking, prices are beginning to follow seasonal trends.
Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows:
- Gasoline demand rose to 8.79 million barrels per day, up from 8.71 million.
- Domestic gasoline supply fell by 1 million barrels, now at 224.7 million.
- Gasoline production averaged 9.4 million barrels per day, down from the prior week.
Crude oil and electric charging trends
Crude oil prices continue to fluctuate. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled at $63.15 per barrel—down 52 cents—while U.S. crude oil inventories increased by 4 million barrels. Current reserves sit about 6% below the five-year average.
Meanwhile, public EV charging costs remained flat this week. The national average per kilowatt hour stayed at 36 cents, according to AAA.
Where gas is cheapest—and most expensive
Most expensive states for gas (regular unleaded):
- California – $4.92
- Hawaii – $4.49
- Washington – $4.33
- Nevada – $3.96
- Oregon – $3.95
Cheapest states for gas:
- Mississippi – $2.66
- Tennessee – $2.71
- Louisiana – $2.73
- Alabama – $2.76
- Texas – $2.80
AAA estimates a record 39.4 million Americans will travel by car over the Memorial Day weekend. Drivers can check real-time gas prices and plan routes using the AAA TripTik Travel Planner.
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