National Gas Prices Hit Four Year High Ahead Of Memorial Day Travel Rush
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Filling up a car in the U.S. now costs more than it has in years. According to new data from AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed to $4.56 per gallon. That is the highest level seen in the last four years, and the timing could not be worse for drivers heading out during the Memorial Day weekend travel rush.
Millions of Americans are expected to travel this weekend, but higher fuel prices are putting pressure on household budgets again. From California to Texas, drivers are seeing noticeable increases at the pump compared to just a month ago.
National Average Fuel Price Climbs Fast
AAA says the average price of regular gasoline increased by three cents in just one week. Last week, the national average sat at $4.53 per gallon. Back in April, prices were nearly 50 cents lower.
The bigger picture looks even more dramatic when compared to last year. In May 2025, the national average was only $3.18 per gallon.
Here’s a quick look at how prices have changed:
| Time Period | Average Gas Price |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | $3.18 per gallon |
| April 2026 | Around $4.06 per gallon |
| Last Week | $4.53 per gallon |
| Current Average | $4.56 per gallon |
Gas prices last reached these levels in 2022, when the national average crossed the $5 mark during the global energy crisis.
California Drivers Are Paying The Most
California continues to lead the country with the highest fuel prices. Drivers there now pay an average of $6.14 per gallon for regular gasoline.
West Coast states remain among the most expensive markets in America for fuel.
States With The Highest Gas Prices
| State | Average Price |
|---|---|
| California | $6.14 |
| Washington | $5.64 |
| Hawaii | $5.64 |
| Oregon | $5.35 |
| Alaska | $5.27 |
High taxes, stricter fuel regulations, and transportation costs continue to keep West Coast fuel prices above the national average.
Southern States Still Offer The Cheapest Fuel
Drivers in southern states are still getting relatively better prices, although “cheap” gas barely exists anymore in 2026.
Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas currently have some of the lowest average fuel prices in the country, sitting just above the $4 per gallon mark.
Indiana also remains slightly lower than the national average. AAA lists the average fuel price there at $4.04 per gallon as thousands of racing fans head toward the Indy 500 weekend.
Why Are Gas Prices Rising Again?
AAA says domestic gasoline demand has increased while supply has dropped slightly. That combination continues to push prices upward across the country.
Several other factors are also keeping prices elevated:
- Strong summer travel demand
- Higher crude oil prices
- Refinery supply pressure
- Seasonal fuel blend changes
- Ongoing global supply uncertainty
Right now, there is no clear sign of immediate relief.
EV Owners Are Avoiding The Fuel Price Shock
While gasoline drivers continue to spend more, EV owners are mostly avoiding the pain at the pump.
AAA says the national average public charging rate is holding steady at 41 cents per kWh. Residential charging remains much cheaper at around 18 cents per kWh nationally.
That price gap is starting to attract more used car buyers toward electric vehicles.
The used EV market has become more affordable recently thanks to a large number of lease returns entering the market. For many households, switching to a used EV now costs less than people expected a couple of years ago.
Families that own both a gasoline vehicle and an EV may start relying more heavily on electric driving this summer, especially for daily commuting.
Simple Fuel Saving Tips Still Matter
Nobody suddenly turns into a hypermiler overnight, especially during holiday travel, but a few small habits can still help stretch a tank further.
Here are a few practical fuel saving tips:
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Avoid hard acceleration at stoplights
- Maintain steady highway speeds
- Remove unnecessary cargo weight
- Avoid excessive idling
Underinflated tires alone can quietly reduce fuel economy over time. Checking tire pressure regularly is still one of the easiest ways to improve mileage.
And yes, launching away from every red light like it is a street race probably does not help either.
Summer Road Trips Will Cost More In 2026
AAA expects fuel prices to remain elevated in the near future, meaning summer travel could stay expensive for weeks ahead.
For families planning long road trips, fuel costs may become one of the biggest parts of the travel budget this year. Vacation plans are not disappearing, but drivers may start cutting back on unnecessary miles, choosing shorter routes, or driving more fuel efficient vehicles.
The classic American summer road trip is still alive. It is just getting a lot more expensive in 2026.
Sources And References
Official Sources
- AAA Gas Prices
Daily national and state wise fuel price data in the United States. One of the most trusted sources for gas price tracking. - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Official U.S. government fuel market data including gasoline prices, supply, refinery reports, and demand trends. - FuelEconomy.gov
Official U.S. government website for fuel economy ratings, gas saving tips, and vehicle efficiency comparisons. - Australian Institute of Petroleum
Australian fuel pricing trends and market information.
Additional Reference Sources
- GasBuddy
Popular fuel price tracking platform used widely across the U.S. and Canada. - InsideEVs
Covers EV market trends, charging costs, and electric vehicle ownership insights. - Kelley Blue Book EV Section
Trusted source for EV buying guides, ownership costs, and used EV market updates. - Car and Driver
Automotive news, reviews, and industry analysis focused mainly on the U.S. market. - Reuters Auto News
Reliable global automotive and fuel market news coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current national average price for regular gasoline in the U.S.?
AAA says the national average for regular gasoline is $4.56 per gallon. That puts fuel prices at a four year high and leaves little room for relief in the short term.
Which state has the highest gas prices right now?
California has the highest fuel prices in the country, with an average of $6.14 per gallon. Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Alaska are also near the top.
Why are gas prices rising again?
AAA links the increase to stronger gasoline demand and slightly lower supply. Summer travel, crude oil prices, refinery pressure, fuel blend changes, and global uncertainty are also keeping prices elevated.
Are some states still cheaper for fuel?
Yes, southern states such as Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas still sit closer to the low end of the market. Even there, prices are now just above the $4 per gallon mark.
How do EV charging costs compare with gasoline prices?
AAA says the national average public charging rate is 41 cents per kWh, while home charging sits around 18 cents per kWh. That difference makes EVs much cheaper to run than gasoline cars for many drivers.
What are the easiest ways to save fuel during expensive travel weeks?
Keep tires properly inflated, drive at steady highway speeds, avoid hard acceleration, remove extra cargo, and cut down on unnecessary idling. Small habits can help stretch every gallon a little further.
Will summer road trips cost more this year?
Yes, that is the likely outcome if fuel prices stay where they are. AAA expects high prices to continue for now, so long road trips may take a bigger bite out of the travel budget.
