WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drivers across the country are paying less at the pump as October comes to a close, with the national average for regular gasoline falling to $3.03 a gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s down from $3.07 a week ago, $3.15 a month ago, and $3.13 this time last year, marking a steady decline in prices heading into November.
Analysts say the drop reflects lower crude oil prices, strong supply, and softer demand, a trend that could keep gas prices relatively low through the busy Thanksgiving travel period. “Gas prices have been cruising this month,” the EIA reported, noting that crude oil costs have remained stable amid higher global production and slower consumption.
At the close of trading Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 33 cents to settle at $60.48 per barrel. U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 6.9 million barrels from the previous week, leaving stockpiles about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.
Gasoline demand rose to 8.92 million barrels per day, up from 8.45 million the previous week, while domestic gasoline supplies declined from 216.7 million barrels to 210.7 million. Production also slipped slightly, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.
Regional Gas Price Overview
The nation’s most expensive gasoline markets remain concentrated on the West Coast, led by California ($4.57), Hawaii ($4.48) and Washington ($4.30). Rounding out the top 10 are Oregon ($3.91), Alaska ($3.82), Nevada ($3.79), Idaho ($3.37), Arizona ($3.32), Utah ($3.23) and Illinois ($3.22).
The least expensive markets are found in the South and Midwest, with Texas ($2.59) and Oklahoma ($2.59) tied for the lowest averages. They’re followed by Mississippi ($2.60), Arkansas ($2.62), Louisiana ($2.63), Tennessee ($2.66), Alabama ($2.67), Missouri ($2.69), Kentucky ($2.69) and Kansas ($2.71).
EV Charging Costs Rise Slightly
The average cost of electricity at public EV charging stations increased 2 cents this week to 38 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the EIA.
The most expensive states for public charging include West Virginia (51¢), Alaska (50¢), and Hawaii (48¢), while the least expensive are Wyoming (19¢), Kansas (26¢), and Missouri (27¢).
Drivers can check current gas and EV charging prices along their routes using the AAA TripTik Travel Planner.
