WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline remained unchanged this week at $3.15, according to AAA, as falling demand and cheaper winter-blend gasoline kept prices stable at the start of October.
“’Tis the season for lower gas prices as demand drops and gas stations make the switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce,” AAA reported Thursday. A robust global supply and signs that OPEC+ will raise production again in November are also contributing to downward pressure on prices.
Today’s national average is $3.159, compared with $3.157 one week ago, $3.186 a month ago, and $3.196 a year ago.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. gasoline demand declined from 8.95 million barrels per day (b/d) last week to 8.51 million b/d. Domestic gasoline supply increased from 216.6 million barrels to 220.7 million, while gasoline production decreased to 9.3 million b/d.
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate crude fell 59 cents to settle at $61.78 per barrel. Crude inventories rose by 1.8 million barrels to 416.5 million, about 4% below the five-year seasonal average.
Gas prices by state
The nation’s most expensive gasoline markets are led by California ($4.64), Washington ($4.53), and Hawaii ($4.49). Rounding out the top 10 are Oregon ($4.17), Nevada ($3.90), Alaska ($3.87), Arizona ($3.54), Idaho ($3.49), Utah ($3.39), and Illinois ($3.34).
The least expensive markets are Oklahoma ($2.65), Mississippi ($2.70), and Louisiana ($2.74), followed by Texas ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.75), Tennessee ($2.78), Alabama ($2.79), Missouri ($2.81), Wisconsin ($2.81), and South Carolina ($2.81).
EV charging costs
The national average cost of electricity at a public EV charging station remained at 36 cents per kilowatt hour this week.
The highest average rates were reported in Alaska (51 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), and Hawaii (46 cents). The lowest averages were in Kansas (26 cents), Maryland (28 cents), Missouri (28 cents), Nebraska (28 cents), and Utah (28 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and EV charging prices along their route using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner.
