Gas Prices Jump 28% in a Year, While Diesel Soars 64%
U.S. gas prices have risen in recent months but remain below their spring peak.
The national average reached $3.94 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, up 28.4% from a year earlier but 12.0% below the May 2026 peak of $4.48 per gallon. Every state recorded a year-over-year increase, with prices rising by more than 12.0% in each.
Diesel prices have risen even more sharply, climbing 63.6% year over year, from $3.75 a gallon to $6.13.
- The average U.S. gas price was $3.94 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, up 28.4% from $3.07 per gallon a year earlier but down 12.0% from the peak of $4.48 per gallon in May.
- The average U.S. diesel price rose faster year over year than regular gas prices. Diesel averaged $6.13 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, up 63.6% from $3.75 a year earlier.
- The average monthly regular gas price fell to $4.31 per gallon in October 2026, down from $4.36 in September but up from $4.06 in August.
- California had the highest average gas price at $5.67 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, followed by Hawaii ($5.62) and Nevada ($5.00).
- North Carolina had the lowest average gas price at $3.21 per gallon, followed by Texas ($3.42) and Georgia ($3.43).
- California had the highest average diesel price at $8.08 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, followed by Hawaii ($7.26) and Washington ($7.11). North Carolina had the lowest at $5.40.
- Average gas prices increased in every state from Nov. 11, 2025, to Nov. 11, 2026. Nebraska recorded the largest increase (40.9%), followed by Mississippi (39.6%) and Oklahoma (38.5%).
- North Carolina saw the smallest gas price increase (12.6%), followed by Washington (17.2%) and Indiana (18.2%).
- Among metros, average gas prices increased the most in Durango, Colo. (57.6%), followed by Kearney, Neb. (51.2%), and Casper, Wyo. (50.3%).
- The three smallest year-over-year increases in average metro gas prices were in North Carolina. Wilmington recorded the smallest increase (3.5%), followed by Fayetteville (3.6%) and Goldsboro (4.5%).
How much have gas prices increased?
The average U.S. gas price was $3.94 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, up 28.4% from $3.07 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2025, but down 12.0% from the peak of $4.48 per gallon in May 2026.
The average U.S. diesel price rose even more sharply over the same period, climbing 63.6% to $6.13 per gallon on Nov. 11, 2026, from $3.75 a year earlier. A month earlier, the average diesel price was $6.28.
The average monthly gas price fell to $4.31 per gallon in October 2026, down from $4.36 in September but up from $4.06 in August. October 2026 was the sixth-highest monthly average on record.
Average gas, diesel prices over the past 12 months
| Month | Avg. price per gallon, regular gas | Avg. price per gallon, diesel |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | $4.31 | $6.25 |
| September 2026 | $4.36 | $6.29 |
| August 2026 | $4.06 | $5.46 |
| July 2026 | $3.93 | $4.96 |
| June 2026 | $4.05 | $5.02 |
| May 2026 | $4.48 | $5.60 |
| April 2026 | $4.10 | $5.50 |
| March 2026 | $3.64 | $4.92 |
| February 2026 | $2.91 | $3.72 |
| January 2026 | $2.81 | $3.52 |
| December 2025 | $2.89 | $3.62 |
| November 2025 | $3.05 | $3.82 |
The average monthly diesel price fell to $6.25 per gallon in October 2026, down from September’s record high of $6.29 but up from $5.46 in August.
Five of the 10 highest-priced months for regular gas on record since 1992 occurred in 2022, including the top two. October 2026 became the latest month to average more than $4.00 per gallon. At $4.48 per gallon, May 2026 remains the third-highest monthly average 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 | September 2026 | $4.36 |
| 6 | October 2026 | $4.31 |
| 7 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 8 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 9 | April 2026 | $4.10 |
| 10 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 10 | August 2026 | $4.06 |
However, 2022 didn’t have the highest inflation-adjusted gas prices. After adjusting for inflation, 2012 had the highest annual average at $5.07 per gallon, compared with an unadjusted average of $3.62.
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 Nov. 11, 2026, California had the nation’s highest average regular gas price at $5.67 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($5.62) and Nevada ($5.00). Only these three states had average gas prices of $5.00 per gallon or higher.
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.67 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.62 |
| 3 | Nevada | $5.00 |
| 4 | Washington | $4.94 |
| 5 | Oregon | $4.58 |
North Carolina had the nation’s lowest average gas price at $3.21 per gallon, followed by Texas ($3.42) and Georgia ($3.43). North Carolina temporarily suspended its 41-cent-per-gallon state fuel tax from Oct. 10 through Nov. 30, 2026.
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina | $3.21 |
| 2 | Texas | $3.42 |
| 3 | Georgia | $3.43 |
| 4 | South Carolina | $3.48 |
| 5 | Indiana | $3.52 |
Full rankings
Average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.67 | 43.9% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.62 | 42.6% |
| 3 | Nevada | $5.00 | 26.8% |
| 4 | Washington | $4.94 | 25.4% |
| 5 | Oregon | $4.58 | 16.2% |
| 6 | Alaska | $4.53 | 14.9% |
| 7 | Illinois | $4.39 | 11.2% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $4.32 | 9.5% |
| 9 | Utah | $4.26 | 8.1% |
| 10 | Idaho | $4.24 | 7.5% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | $4.23 | 7.3% |
| 12 | Vermont | $4.22 | 7.0% |
| 13 | New York | $4.21 | 6.7% |
| 14 | Arizona | $4.19 | 6.3% |
| 15 | Maine | $4.11 | 4.3% |
| 16 | Connecticut | $4.10 | 4.0% |
| 17 | Wyoming | $4.06 | 3.1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | $4.05 | 2.7% |
| 19 | Massachusetts | $4.04 | 2.4% |
| 20 | New Jersey | $4.01 | 1.8% |
| 20 | Michigan | $4.01 | 1.7% |
| 22 | West Virginia | $4.00 | 1.4% |
| 23 | Rhode Island | $3.94 | 0.0% |
| 24 | Montana | $3.93 | -0.3% |
| 25 | Nebraska | $3.91 | -0.9% |
| 26 | South Dakota | $3.88 | -1.5% |
| 27 | Maryland | $3.86 | -2.1% |
| 28 | Minnesota | $3.84 | -2.7% |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $3.83 | -2.8% |
| 30 | Delaware | $3.82 | -3.0% |
| 31 | Virginia | $3.81 | -3.4% |
| 31 | North Dakota | $3.81 | -3.3% |
| 33 | New Mexico | $3.79 | -3.9% |
| 33 | Iowa | $3.79 | -3.8% |
| 35 | Colorado | $3.78 | -4.0% |
| 36 | Florida | $3.74 | -5.1% |
| 37 | Ohio | $3.70 | -6.3% |
| 38 | Kansas | $3.69 | -6.3% |
| 38 | Kentucky | $3.69 | -6.4% |
| 40 | Missouri | $3.64 | -7.7% |
| 41 | Mississippi | $3.62 | -8.1% |
| 42 | Arkansas | $3.58 | -9.1% |
| 43 | Alabama | $3.57 | -9.4% |
| 44 | Tennessee | $3.55 | -10.0% |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $3.54 | -10.1% |
| 46 | Louisiana | $3.53 | -10.5% |
| 47 | Indiana | $3.52 | -10.7% |
| 48 | South Carolina | $3.48 | -11.7% |
| 49 | Georgia | $3.43 | -12.9% |
| 50 | Texas | $3.42 | -13.3% |
| 51 | North Carolina | $3.21 | -18.6% |
The average diesel price in California was $8.08 per gallon as of Nov. 11, 2026, followed by Hawaii ($7.26) and Washington ($7.11). The lowest average diesel prices were in North Carolina ($5.40), Texas ($5.54) and Georgia ($5.59).
Where have gas prices increased the most?
Average gas prices increased by double digits in every state from Nov. 11, 2025, to Nov. 11, 2026.
Nebraska recorded the largest year-over-year increase in average gas prices, rising 40.9% from $2.77 to $3.91 per gallon. It was followed by Mississippi, where prices rose 39.6% from $2.60 to $3.62, and Oklahoma, where prices increased 38.5% from $2.56 to $3.54.
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $3.91 | $2.77 | 40.9% | $1.13 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $3.62 | $2.60 | 39.6% | $1.03 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $3.54 | $2.56 | 38.5% | $0.99 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $4.06 | $2.96 | 37.4% | $1.11 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $4.05 | $2.95 | 37.3% | $1.10 |
Gas prices increased the least in North Carolina from Nov. 11, 2025, to Nov. 11, 2026, rising 12.6% from $2.85 to $3.21 per gallon. Washington and Indiana followed, with prices increasing 17.2% from $4.22 to $4.94 and 18.2% from $2.98 to $3.52, respectively.
States with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina | $3.21 | $2.85 | 12.6% | $0.36 |
| 2 | Washington | $4.94 | $4.22 | 17.2% | $0.73 |
| 3 | Indiana | $3.52 | $2.98 | 18.2% | $0.54 |
| 4 | Alaska | $4.53 | $3.81 | 19.1% | $0.73 |
| 5 | Oregon | $4.58 | $3.82 | 19.9% | $0.76 |
Full rankings
Change in average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $3.91 | $2.77 | 40.9% | $1.13 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $3.62 | $2.60 | 39.6% | $1.03 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $3.54 | $2.56 | 38.5% | $0.99 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $4.06 | $2.96 | 37.4% | $1.11 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $4.05 | $2.95 | 37.3% | $1.10 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $3.88 | $2.84 | 36.7% | $1.04 |
| 7 | Iowa | $3.79 | $2.78 | 36.5% | $1.02 |
| 8 | Vermont | $4.22 | $3.10 | 36.0% | $1.12 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $3.83 | $2.82 | 35.8% | $1.01 |
| 9 | Maine | $4.11 | $3.03 | 35.8% | $1.08 |
| 11 | Louisiana | $3.53 | $2.61 | 35.4% | $0.92 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $3.58 | $2.65 | 35.1% | $0.93 |
| 13 | New Mexico | $3.79 | $2.81 | 35.0% | $0.98 |
| 14 | Missouri | $3.64 | $2.70 | 34.9% | $0.94 |
| 15 | New York | $4.21 | $3.12 | 34.7% | $1.08 |
| 16 | Kansas | $3.69 | $2.74 | 34.6% | $0.95 |
| 16 | New Jersey | $4.01 | $2.98 | 34.6% | $1.03 |
| 18 | Illinois | $4.39 | $3.27 | 34.2% | $1.12 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $4.04 | $3.01 | 34.2% | $1.03 |
| 20 | Kentucky | $3.69 | $2.75 | 34.1% | $0.94 |
| 20 | North Dakota | $3.81 | $2.84 | 34.1% | $0.97 |
| 22 | Tennessee | $3.55 | $2.65 | 34.0% | $0.90 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $4.10 | $3.06 | 33.9% | $1.04 |
| 24 | Colorado | $3.78 | $2.83 | 33.7% | $0.95 |
| 25 | Alabama | $3.57 | $2.67 | 33.5% | $0.90 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | $3.94 | $2.96 | 33.2% | $0.98 |
| 27 | Utah | $4.26 | $3.23 | 32.0% | $1.03 |
| 28 | West Virginia | $4.00 | $3.03 | 31.8% | $0.97 |
| 28 | District of Columbia | $4.23 | $3.21 | 31.8% | $1.02 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $4.32 | $3.28 | 31.7% | $1.04 |
| 31 | Virginia | $3.81 | $2.91 | 30.8% | $0.90 |
| 31 | Texas | $3.42 | $2.62 | 30.8% | $0.81 |
| 33 | Montana | $3.93 | $3.02 | 30.4% | $0.92 |
| 34 | Michigan | $4.01 | $3.08 | 30.3% | $0.93 |
| 35 | Minnesota | $3.84 | $2.97 | 29.0% | $0.86 |
| 36 | Florida | $3.74 | $2.92 | 28.1% | $0.82 |
| 37 | Idaho | $4.24 | $3.33 | 27.4% | $0.91 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $3.48 | $2.74 | 27.1% | $0.74 |
| 39 | Hawaii | $5.62 | $4.47 | 25.8% | $1.15 |
| 40 | Nevada | $5.00 | $3.98 | 25.7% | $1.02 |
| 41 | Delaware | $3.82 | $3.05 | 25.4% | $0.78 |
| 42 | Arizona | $4.19 | $3.37 | 24.3% | $0.82 |
| 43 | Maryland | $3.86 | $3.12 | 23.8% | $0.74 |
| 44 | Ohio | $3.70 | $3.00 | 23.3% | $0.70 |
| 45 | Georgia | $3.43 | $2.79 | 22.9% | $0.64 |
| 46 | California | $5.67 | $4.70 | 20.7% | $0.97 |
| 47 | Oregon | $4.58 | $3.82 | 19.9% | $0.76 |
| 48 | Alaska | $4.53 | $3.81 | 19.1% | $0.73 |
| 49 | Indiana | $3.52 | $2.98 | 18.2% | $0.54 |
| 50 | Washington | $4.94 | $4.22 | 17.2% | $0.73 |
| 51 | North Carolina | $3.21 | $2.85 | 12.6% | $0.36 |
North Carolina metros have the smallest gas price increases
North Carolina accounted for nine of the 10 metros with the smallest year-over-year gas price increases.
Among metros, Durango, Colo., recorded the largest increase in average gas prices, rising 57.6% from $2.85 to $4.49 per gallon. It was followed by Kearney, Neb., where prices rose 51.2% from $2.80 to $4.24, and Casper, Wyo., where prices increased 50.3% from $2.50 to $3.76.
Metros with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Durango, CO | $4.49 | $2.85 | 57.6% | $1.64 |
| 2 | Kearney, NE | $4.24 | $2.80 | 51.2% | $1.43 |
| 3 | Casper, WY | $3.76 | $2.50 | 50.3% | $1.26 |
| 4 | Prescott, AZ | $4.55 | $3.08 | 47.8% | $1.47 |
| 5 | Traverse City, MI | $4.14 | $2.81 | 47.2% | $1.33 |
| 5 | Alexander County, IL | $5.15 | $3.50 | 47.2% | $1.65 |
| 7 | Farmington, NM | $4.19 | $2.85 | 47.0% | $1.34 |
| 8 | Glenwood Springs, CO | $4.55 | $3.11 | 46.5% | $1.44 |
| 9 | Duluth-Superior (MN only), MN | $4.03 | $2.78 | 45.2% | $1.26 |
| 10 | Cape Girardeau, MO | $3.91 | $2.71 | 44.2% | $1.20 |
Wilmington, N.C., recorded the smallest increase in average gas prices, with prices rising 3.5% from $2.90 to $3.01 per gallon year over year. It was followed by Fayetteville, N.C., where prices increased 3.6% from $2.88 to $2.98, and Goldsboro, N.C., where prices rose 4.5% from $2.88 to $3.01.
Metros with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Nov. 11, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington, NC | $3.01 | $2.90 | 3.5% | $0.10 |
| 2 | Fayetteville, NC | $2.98 | $2.88 | 3.6% | $0.10 |
| 3 | Goldsboro, NC | $3.01 | $2.88 | 4.5% | $0.13 |
| 4 | Rocky Mount, NC | $3.05 | $2.87 | 6.3% | $0.18 |
| 5 | Jacksonville, NC | $3.13 | $2.85 | 9.7% | $0.28 |
| 6 | Winston-Salem, NC | $3.18 | $2.88 | 10.4% | $0.30 |
| 7 | Lafayette, IN | $3.42 | $3.09 | 10.5% | $0.32 |
| 7 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $3.09 | $2.79 | 10.5% | $0.29 |
| 9 | Raleigh, NC | $3.22 | $2.90 | 11.2% | $0.33 |
| 10 | Burlington, NC | $3.22 | $2.88 | 11.7% | $0.34 |
How can you use credit cards to earn cash back on gas purchases?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that gas prices will average $3.89 per gallon in 2026 before falling to $3.73 per gallon in 2027.
LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz says drivers can take several steps to reduce fuel costs, starting with comparing prices at nearby stations.
“It doesn’t make sense to drive across town to save 3 cents a gallon, but gas prices can vary quite a bit even within a small area,” he says. “Driving a few extra blocks for a lower price can add up over the course of a year, especially if you fill up frequently.”
Schulz also recommends using a credit card that offers cash-back rewards on gas purchases.
“Whether you’re loyal to a specific gas station chain or simply want to save no matter where you fill up, plenty of credit cards can help,” he says. “Just know that gas station-specific cards tend to have higher-than-average APRs, so pay your balance in full every month if you use one. Otherwise, the interest you accrue can quickly outweigh any savings at the pump.”
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices across states and metros, as well as diesel prices across states. Prices as of Nov. 11, 2026, were compared with prices as of Nov. 11, 2025.
LendingTree researchers also analyzed U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data to calculate historical average prices per gallon for regular gas.