US Gas Prices Soar Nearly 29% Nationwide
Gas prices have risen sharply across the U.S., with increases recorded in every state.
The national average reached $4.04 per gallon on June 16, 2026, up 28.8% from a year earlier. Nearly every state and many metros posted double-digit percentage increases.
Following rapid increases in recent months, drivers continue to face some of the highest gas prices in years. Average prices rose in every state, ranging from 6.4% in Indiana to 41.9% in New Hampshire.
Key findings are below.
- The average U.S. gas price on June 16, 2026, was $4.04 per gallon, up 28.8% from $3.14 per gallon a year earlier.
- Average monthly gas prices surged to $4.48 per gallon in May 2026. That compares with $4.10 in April and $3.64 in March.
- The highest average gas price was in California ($5.71 per gallon), followed by Hawaii ($5.58) and Washington ($5.49).
- Indiana had the lowest average gas price ($3.36 per gallon), ahead of Texas ($3.50) and Oklahoma ($3.53).
- Average gas prices saw double-digit increases in every state except one between June 16, 2025, and June 16, 2026. The largest increase was in New Hampshire (41.9%), followed by New York and Vermont (both 39.3%).
- Average gas prices increased the least between June 16, 2025, and June 16, 2026, in Indiana (6.4%), California (22.7%) and Maryland (24.7%).
- Average gas prices rose in every metro except one in the same period. The largest increases were in Arizona metros: Yuma (53.7%), Sierra Vista-Douglas (52.9%) and Flagstaff (47.7%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased only in Columbus, Ind. (0.7%). Among metros with increases, the smallest gains were in Fort Wayne, Ind. (0.9%), and Michigan City-La Porte, Ind. (2.1%).
How much have gas prices increased?
On June 16, 2026, the average U.S. gas price was $4.04 per gallon. That was up 28.8% from $3.14 per gallon on June 16, 2025.
The average monthly price per gallon climbed to $4.48 in May 2026, after averaging $4.10 in April and $3.64 in March. The last time monthly gas prices were higher was in July 2022, when they averaged $4.56.
Average gas prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | $4.48 |
| April 2026 | $4.10 |
| March 2026 | $3.64 |
| February 2026 | $2.91 |
| January 2026 | $2.81 |
| December 2025 | $2.89 |
| November 2025 | $3.05 |
| October 2025 | $3.06 |
| September 2025 | $3.17 |
| August 2025 | $3.13 |
| July 2025 | $3.13 |
| June 2025 | $3.15 |
Six of the 10 highest-priced months on record since 1992 occurred in 2022, including the top two. Before April and May 2026, the only other months in which average gas prices exceeded $4.00 per gallon were June and July 2008. At $4.48 per gallon, May 2026 ranks as the third-highest month for average gas prices on record, behind only June and July 2022.
Highest gas prices (historical)
| Rank | Month | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 2022 | $4.93 |
| 2 | July 2022 | $4.56 |
| 3 | May 2026 | $4.48 |
| 4 | May 2022 | $4.44 |
| 5 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 6 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 7 | April 2026 | $4.10 |
| 8 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 9 | June 2008 | $4.05 |
| 10 | August 2022 | $3.98 |
However, 2022 didn’t have the highest inflation-adjusted gas prices. After adjusting for inflation, 2012 had the highest average gas price at $5.07 per gallon. The unadjusted average that year was $3.62 per gallon.
Average gas prices since 1992
| Year | Avg. price per gallon | Avg. inflation-adjusted price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.10 | $3.10 |
| 2024 | $3.30 | $3.39 |
| 2023 | $3.52 | $3.72 |
| 2022 | $3.95 | $4.35 |
| 2021 | $3.01 | $3.57 |
| 2020 | $2.17 | $2.70 |
| 2019 | $2.60 | $3.28 |
| 2018 | $2.72 | $3.49 |
| 2017 | $2.42 | $3.17 |
| 2016 | $2.14 | $2.87 |
| 2015 | $2.43 | $3.30 |
| 2014 | $3.36 | $4.57 |
| 2013 | $3.51 | $4.84 |
| 2012 | $3.62 | $5.07 |
| 2011 | $3.52 | $5.04 |
| 2010 | $2.78 | $4.11 |
| 2009 | $2.35 | $3.53 |
| 2008 | $3.25 | $4.85 |
| 2007 | $2.80 | $4.34 |
| 2006 | $2.57 | $4.11 |
| 2005 | $2.27 | $3.74 |
| 2004 | $1.85 | $3.16 |
| 2003 | $1.56 | $2.73 |
| 2002 | $1.35 | $2.41 |
| 2001 | $1.42 | $2.58 |
| 2000 | $1.48 | $2.77 |
| 1999 | $1.14 | $2.20 |
| 1998 | $1.03 | $2.03 |
| 1997 | $1.20 | $2.41 |
| 1996 | $1.20 | $2.46 |
| 1995 | $1.11 | $2.35 |
| 1994 | $1.08 | $2.34 |
| 1993 | $1.07 | $2.38 |
| 1992 | $1.09 | $2.49 |
Where are gas prices highest and lowest?
As of June 16, 2026, the highest average gas price nationwide was in California ($5.71 per gallon), followed by Hawaii ($5.58) and Washington ($5.49). Four states had average gas prices above $5.00 per gallon.
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.71 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.58 |
| 3 | Washington | $5.49 |
| 4 | Alaska | $5.09 |
| 5 | Oregon | $4.98 |
At the other end of the spectrum, Indiana had the lowest average gas price at $3.36 per gallon, followed by Texas ($3.50) and Oklahoma ($3.53).
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | $3.36 |
| 2 | Texas | $3.50 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $3.53 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $3.59 |
| 5 | Kentucky | $3.62 |
Full rankings
Average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.71 | 41.2% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.58 | 38.0% |
| 3 | Washington | $5.49 | 35.8% |
| 4 | Alaska | $5.09 | 25.9% |
| 5 | Oregon | $4.98 | 23.1% |
| 6 | Nevada | $4.89 | 20.9% |
| 7 | Idaho | $4.38 | 8.3% |
| 7 | Arizona | $4.38 | 8.3% |
| 9 | Illinois | $4.35 | 7.6% |
| 10 | New York | $4.34 | 7.3% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | $4.32 | 6.8% |
| 12 | Vermont | $4.28 | 5.8% |
| 13 | Utah | $4.22 | 4.4% |
| 13 | Montana | $4.22 | 4.4% |
| 13 | Wyoming | $4.22 | 4.4% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $4.20 | 3.9% |
| 16 | Connecticut | $4.20 | 3.9% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $4.16 | 2.9% |
| 19 | Michigan | $4.15 | 2.6% |
| 20 | Maine | $4.14 | 2.4% |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $4.13 | 2.1% |
| 22 | New Jersey | $4.08 | 0.9% |
| 23 | Colorado | $4.06 | 0.4% |
| 24 | Rhode Island | $4.04 | -0.1% |
| 25 | Ohio | $4.02 | -0.6% |
| 26 | West Virginia | $4.00 | -1.1% |
| 27 | New Mexico | $3.99 | -1.3% |
| 28 | South Dakota | $3.95 | -2.3% |
| 29 | Nebraska | $3.86 | -4.5% |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $3.85 | -4.8% |
| 31 | Minnesota | $3.84 | -5.0% |
| 31 | North Dakota | $3.84 | -5.0% |
| 33 | Maryland | $3.82 | -5.5% |
| 34 | Virginia | $3.79 | -6.3% |
| 35 | Delaware | $3.78 | -6.5% |
| 35 | Florida | $3.78 | -6.5% |
| 37 | Georgia | $3.74 | -7.5% |
| 38 | Missouri | $3.73 | -7.8% |
| 39 | Kansas | $3.71 | -8.3% |
| 40 | Iowa | $3.69 | -8.8% |
| 41 | North Carolina | $3.66 | -9.5% |
| 41 | Arkansas | $3.66 | -9.5% |
| 41 | Alabama | $3.66 | -9.5% |
| 44 | Mississippi | $3.65 | -9.7% |
| 45 | South Carolina | $3.64 | -10.0% |
| 46 | Louisiana | $3.63 | -10.2% |
| 47 | Kentucky | $3.62 | -10.5% |
| 48 | Tennessee | $3.59 | -11.2% |
| 49 | Oklahoma | $3.53 | -12.7% |
| 50 | Texas | $3.50 | -13.5% |
| 51 | Indiana | $3.36 | -16.9% |
Where have gas prices increased the most?
Average gas prices increased by double digits in every state except one between June 16, 2025, and June 16, 2026.
The average gas price increased the most in New Hampshire, rising 41.9% from $2.91 to $4.13 per gallon, followed by New York and Vermont (both up 39.3%), where prices rose from $3.11 and $3.07 to $4.34 and $4.28, respectively.
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2026 | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | $4.13 | $2.91 | 41.9% | $1.22 |
| 2 | New York | $4.34 | $3.11 | 39.3% | $1.22 |
| 2 | Vermont | $4.28 | $3.07 | 39.3% | $1.21 |
| 4 | Alaska | $5.09 | $3.65 | 39.2% | $1.43 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $4.16 | $3.00 | 38.6% | $1.16 |
Average gas prices increased the least in Indiana between June 16, 2025, and June 16, 2026. Gas prices there rose 6.4%, from $3.16 to $3.36 per gallon. California followed, with a 22.7% increase from $4.66 to $5.71, followed by Maryland, where prices rose 24.7% from $3.06 to $3.82.
States with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2026 | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | $3.36 | $3.16 | 6.4% | $0.20 |
| 2 | California | $5.71 | $4.66 | 22.7% | $1.06 |
| 3 | Maryland | $3.82 | $3.06 | 24.7% | $0.76 |
| 4 | Oregon | $4.98 | $3.99 | 24.8% | $0.99 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $5.58 | $4.47 | 24.9% | $1.11 |
Full rankings
Change in average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2026 | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | $4.13 | $2.91 | 41.9% | $1.22 |
| 2 | New York | $4.34 | $3.11 | 39.3% | $1.22 |
| 2 | Vermont | $4.28 | $3.07 | 39.3% | $1.21 |
| 4 | Alaska | $5.09 | $3.65 | 39.2% | $1.43 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $4.16 | $3.00 | 38.6% | $1.16 |
| 6 | New Mexico | $3.99 | $2.88 | 38.4% | $1.11 |
| 7 | Mississippi | $3.65 | $2.66 | 37.2% | $0.99 |
| 8 | Maine | $4.14 | $3.02 | 37.0% | $1.12 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $4.20 | $3.10 | 35.5% | $1.10 |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $4.32 | $3.20 | 35.3% | $1.13 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $4.04 | $2.99 | 35.2% | $1.05 |
| 12 | Wyoming | $4.22 | $3.12 | 35.1% | $1.09 |
| 13 | South Dakota | $3.95 | $2.92 | 35.0% | $1.02 |
| 14 | Arizona | $4.38 | $3.25 | 34.9% | $1.13 |
| 15 | Michigan | $4.15 | $3.08 | 34.6% | $1.07 |
| 16 | New Jersey | $4.08 | $3.06 | 33.6% | $1.03 |
| 17 | North Dakota | $3.84 | $2.89 | 33.0% | $0.95 |
| 17 | Idaho | $4.38 | $3.29 | 33.0% | $1.09 |
| 19 | Colorado | $4.06 | $3.06 | 32.6% | $1.00 |
| 20 | Alabama | $3.66 | $2.76 | 32.5% | $0.90 |
| 21 | Tennessee | $3.59 | $2.71 | 32.4% | $0.88 |
| 22 | Missouri | $3.73 | $2.82 | 32.3% | $0.91 |
| 23 | Louisiana | $3.63 | $2.75 | 32.0% | $0.88 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $3.86 | $2.92 | 32.0% | $0.94 |
| 25 | Ohio | $4.02 | $3.06 | 31.6% | $0.96 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | $3.85 | $2.93 | 31.2% | $0.91 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $3.66 | $2.79 | 31.1% | $0.87 |
| 27 | Montana | $4.22 | $3.21 | 31.1% | $1.00 |
| 29 | Minnesota | $3.84 | $2.94 | 30.8% | $0.91 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $4.00 | $3.06 | 30.6% | $0.94 |
| 31 | Georgia | $3.74 | $2.87 | 30.5% | $0.87 |
| 32 | Kansas | $3.71 | $2.85 | 30.2% | $0.86 |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $3.53 | $2.73 | 29.5% | $0.80 |
| 34 | Utah | $4.22 | $3.26 | 29.1% | $0.95 |
| 35 | Nevada | $4.89 | $3.80 | 28.7% | $1.09 |
| 36 | Florida | $3.78 | $2.95 | 28.2% | $0.83 |
| 37 | Texas | $3.50 | $2.74 | 27.8% | $0.76 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $3.66 | $2.86 | 27.8% | $0.80 |
| 39 | South Carolina | $3.64 | $2.85 | 27.6% | $0.79 |
| 40 | Iowa | $3.69 | $2.89 | 27.4% | $0.79 |
| 41 | Pennsylvania | $4.20 | $3.30 | 27.3% | $0.90 |
| 42 | Delaware | $3.78 | $2.98 | 27.0% | $0.80 |
| 43 | Kentucky | $3.62 | $2.86 | 26.5% | $0.76 |
| 43 | Illinois | $4.35 | $3.44 | 26.5% | $0.91 |
| 45 | Washington | $5.49 | $4.37 | 25.6% | $1.12 |
| 46 | Virginia | $3.79 | $3.03 | 25.1% | $0.76 |
| 47 | Hawaii | $5.58 | $4.47 | 24.9% | $1.11 |
| 48 | Oregon | $4.98 | $3.99 | 24.8% | $0.99 |
| 49 | Maryland | $3.82 | $3.06 | 24.7% | $0.76 |
| 50 | California | $5.71 | $4.66 | 22.7% | $1.06 |
| 51 | Indiana | $3.36 | $3.16 | 6.4% | $0.20 |
Largest metro increases were concentrated in Arizona
Average gas prices increased in every tracked metro except one during the period analyzed by AAA.
Yuma, Ariz., saw the largest increase, with gas prices rising 53.7% from $2.88 to $4.43 per gallon. It was followed by Sierra Vista-Douglas, Ariz., where prices increased 52.9% from $2.95 to $4.51, and Flagstaff, Ariz., where prices rose 47.7%, from $3.16 to $4.67.
Metros with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2026 | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuma, AZ | $4.43 | $2.88 | 53.7% | $1.55 |
| 2 | Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $4.51 | $2.95 | 52.9% | $1.56 |
| 3 | Flagstaff, AZ | $4.67 | $3.16 | 47.7% | $1.51 |
| 4 | Ithaca, NY | $4.49 | $3.04 | 47.5% | $1.45 |
| 5 | Durango, CO | $4.68 | $3.19 | 47.1% | $1.49 |
| 6 | Prescott, AZ | $4.64 | $3.17 | 46.3% | $1.47 |
| 7 | Casper, WY | $4.06 | $2.78 | 45.8% | $1.28 |
| 8 | Syracuse, NY | $4.42 | $3.04 | 45.5% | $1.38 |
| 8 | Tucson, AZ | $4.29 | $2.95 | 45.5% | $1.34 |
| 10 | Pima County, AZ | $4.29 | $2.96 | 44.9% | $1.33 |
Columbus, Ind., was the only metro to see a decline in average gas prices, falling 0.7% from $3.21 to $3.19 per gallon. In Fort Wayne, Ind., prices rose 0.9% from $3.19 to $3.22, while prices in Michigan City-La Porte, Ind., increased 2.1% from $3.35 to $3.42.
Metros with the smallest decreases and increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2026 | Avg. gas price, June 16, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus, IN | $3.19 | $3.21 | -0.7% | -$0.02 |
| 2 | Fort Wayne, IN | $3.22 | $3.19 | 0.9% | $0.03 |
| 3 | Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $3.42 | $3.35 | 2.1% | $0.07 |
| 4 | Gary, IN | $3.36 | $3.28 | 2.4% | $0.08 |
| 5 | Indianapolis, IN | $3.28 | $3.15 | 3.9% | $0.13 |
| 6 | Elkhart, IN | $3.35 | $3.21 | 4.2% | $0.14 |
| 7 | Lafayette, IN | $3.44 | $3.30 | 4.3% | $0.14 |
| 8 | Kokomo, IN | $3.31 | $3.17 | 4.4% | $0.14 |
| 8 | South Bend, IN | $3.38 | $3.24 | 4.4% | $0.14 |
| 10 | Muncie, IN | $3.28 | $3.10 | 5.9% | $0.18 |
How can you use credit cards to earn cash back on gas purchases?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas prices will average $3.90 per gallon in 2026 before falling to $3.64 per gallon in 2027.
LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz says drivers can take a few steps to save on gas at the pump. First, he recommends shopping around.
“It doesn’t make sense to drive across town to save 3 cents a gallon, but gas prices can vary quite a bit even in a small area,” he says. “Driving an extra few blocks for a lower gas price can add up over a year, especially for drivers who fill up frequently.”
Next, Schulz advises using credit cards with the best gas station rewards.
“Whether you’re loyal to one specific gas station chain or just looking to save on gas prices no matter where you fill up, plenty of credit cards can help you,” he says. “Just know that gas station-specific cards tend to have higher-than-average APRs, so make sure you pay them off in full every month if you’re going to use them. Otherwise, the amount you save on gas can quickly be outweighed by how much you accrue in interest.”
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices were as of June 16, 2026, and were compared to those on June 16, 2025.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices for regular gasoline per gallon.