Gas Prices Jump 39% in a Year, While Diesel Soars 72%
U.S. gas prices have risen in recent months but remain below their spring peak.
The national average reached $4.37 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, up 39.4% from a year earlier but 2.5% below the recent peak of $4.48 per gallon in May. Every state recorded a year-over-year increase, with prices rising by more than 20.0% in each.
Diesel prices have risen even more sharply, climbing 71.7% year over year, from $3.68 a gallon to $6.32.
- The average U.S. gas price was $4.37 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, up 39.4% from $3.13 per gallon a year earlier but down 2.5% from the recent 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 $6.32 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, up 71.7% from $3.68 a year earlier.
- The average monthly regular gas price rose to $4.36 per gallon in September 2026, from $4.06 in August and $3.93 in July.
- California had the highest average gas price at $6.38 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, followed by Hawaii ($5.63) and Washington and Nevada (both at $5.48).
- Indiana had the lowest average gas price at $3.72 per gallon, followed by Ohio ($3.78) and Georgia ($3.85).
- California had the highest average diesel price at $8.36 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, followed by Washington ($7.33) and Hawaii ($7.22). Texas had the lowest at $5.74.
- Average gas prices increased in every state from Oct. 6, 2025, to Oct. 6, 2026. Oklahoma recorded the largest increase (54.6%), followed by New Mexico (53.9%) and Iowa (51.3%).
- Washington saw the smallest gas price increase (21.3%), followed by Oregon (21.8%) and Indiana (24.3%).
- Among metros, average gas prices increased the most in Casper, Wyo. (67.9%), followed by Columbus, Neb. (60.4%), and Santa Fe, N.M., Sioux City, Iowa, and Tulsa, Okla. (each at 60.2%).
- The two smallest year-over-year increases in average metro gas prices were in Indiana. Lafayette recorded the smallest increase (15.4%), followed by Michigan City-La Porte, Ind. (17.1%), and Portland-Vancouver, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. (both at 18.2%).
How much have gas prices increased?
The average U.S. gas price was $4.37 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, up 39.4% from $3.13 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2025, but down 2.5% from the recent peak of $4.48 per gallon in May 2026.
The average U.S. diesel price rose even more sharply over the same period, climbing 71.7% to $6.32 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, from $3.68 a year earlier. A month earlier, the average diesel price was $5.90.
The average monthly gas price rose to $4.36 per gallon in September 2026, up from $4.06 in August and $3.93 in July. September 2026 was the fifth-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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| October 2025 | $3.06 | $3.68 |
September 2026 was the highest month on record for diesel prices, at $6.29 per gallon. That was up from $5.46 in August and $4.96 in July.
Five of the 10 highest-priced regular gas months on record since 1992 occurred in 2022, including the top two. September 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 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 7 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 8 | April 2026 | $4.10 |
| 9 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 9 | 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 Oct. 6, 2026, California had the nation’s highest average regular gas price at $6.38 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($5.63) and Washington and Nevada (both at $5.48). Six 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 | $6.38 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.63 |
| 3 | Washington | $5.48 |
| 3 | Nevada | $5.48 |
| 5 | Oregon | $5.04 |
Indiana had the nation’s lowest average gas price at $3.72 per gallon, followed by Ohio ($3.78) and Georgia ($3.85). Indiana temporarily suspended most of its state gasoline taxes during the spring and summer of 2026. The suspension is currently extended through Nov. 4, 2026.
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | $3.72 |
| 2 | Ohio | $3.78 |
| 3 | Georgia | $3.85 |
| 4 | Texas | $3.90 |
| 5 | Louisiana | $3.93 |
Full rankings
Average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $6.38 | 46.0% |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.63 | 28.9% |
| 3 | Washington | $5.48 | 25.4% |
| 3 | Nevada | $5.48 | 25.4% |
| 5 | Oregon | $5.04 | 15.4% |
| 6 | Alaska | $5.02 | 14.9% |
| 7 | Idaho | $4.94 | 13.1% |
| 8 | Utah | $4.93 | 12.9% |
| 9 | Arizona | $4.74 | 8.5% |
| 10 | Illinois | $4.65 | 6.4% |
| 11 | Montana | $4.51 | 3.2% |
| 12 | Wyoming | $4.49 | 2.8% |
| 13 | New York | $4.47 | 2.3% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $4.47 | 2.3% |
| 13 | New Mexico | $4.47 | 2.3% |
| 16 | Connecticut | $4.45 | 1.9% |
| 17 | Vermont | $4.43 | 1.4% |
| 17 | District of Columbia | $4.43 | 1.4% |
| 17 | Michigan | $4.43 | 1.4% |
| 20 | Maine | $4.39 | 0.5% |
| 21 | Massachusetts | $4.35 | -0.4% |
| 22 | Rhode Island | $4.33 | -0.9% |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $4.33 | -0.9% |
| 24 | Minnesota | $4.30 | -1.6% |
| 25 | New Jersey | $4.29 | -1.8% |
| 25 | West Virginia | $4.29 | -1.8% |
| 27 | South Dakota | $4.26 | -2.5% |
| 27 | Iowa | $4.26 | -2.5% |
| 29 | Nebraska | $4.23 | -3.2% |
| 30 | Maryland | $4.21 | -3.6% |
| 31 | North Dakota | $4.17 | -4.5% |
| 32 | Virginia | $4.16 | -4.8% |
| 33 | Delaware | $4.15 | -5.0% |
| 33 | Florida | $4.15 | -5.0% |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $4.15 | -5.0% |
| 36 | Colorado | $4.12 | -5.7% |
| 37 | North Carolina | $4.09 | -6.4% |
| 38 | Kentucky | $4.06 | -7.1% |
| 39 | Kansas | $4.05 | -7.3% |
| 40 | Missouri | $4.03 | -7.7% |
| 40 | South Carolina | $4.03 | -7.7% |
| 42 | Oklahoma | $4.00 | -8.4% |
| 43 | Arkansas | $3.98 | -8.9% |
| 44 | Tennessee | $3.97 | -9.1% |
| 44 | Alabama | $3.97 | -9.1% |
| 46 | Mississippi | $3.94 | -9.8% |
| 47 | Louisiana | $3.93 | -10.0% |
| 48 | Texas | $3.90 | -10.7% |
| 49 | Georgia | $3.85 | -11.9% |
| 50 | Ohio | $3.78 | -13.5% |
| 51 | Indiana | $3.72 | -14.8% |
The average diesel price in California was $8.36 per gallon as of Oct. 6, 2026, followed by Washington ($7.33) and Hawaii ($7.22). The lowest average diesel prices were in Texas ($5.74), Georgia ($5.80) and Oklahoma ($5.81).
Where have gas prices increased the most?
Average gas prices increased by double digits in every state from Oct. 6, 2025, to Oct. 6, 2026.
Oklahoma recorded the largest year-over-year increase in average gas prices, rising 54.6% from $2.59 to $4.00 per gallon. It was followed by New Mexico, where prices rose 53.9% from $2.90 to $4.47, and Iowa, where prices increased 51.3% from $2.81 to $4.26.
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $4.00 | $2.59 | 54.6% | $1.41 |
| 2 | New Mexico | $4.47 | $2.90 | 53.9% | $1.57 |
| 3 | Iowa | $4.26 | $2.81 | 51.3% | $1.44 |
| 4 | Nebraska | $4.23 | $2.82 | 49.9% | $1.41 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $4.15 | $2.78 | 49.4% | $1.37 |
Gas prices increased the least in Washington from Oct. 6, 2025, to Oct. 6, 2026, rising 21.3% from $4.52 to $5.48 per gallon. Oregon and Indiana followed, with prices increasing 21.8% from $4.14 to $5.04 and 24.3% from $2.99 to $3.72, respectively.
States with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $5.48 | $4.52 | 21.3% | $0.96 |
| 2 | Oregon | $5.04 | $4.14 | 21.8% | $0.90 |
| 3 | Indiana | $3.72 | $2.99 | 24.3% | $0.73 |
| 4 | Hawaii | $5.63 | $4.49 | 25.4% | $1.14 |
| 5 | Ohio | $3.78 | $2.98 | 27.2% | $0.81 |
Full rankings
Change in average gas prices by state
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $4.00 | $2.59 | 54.6% | $1.41 |
| 2 | New Mexico | $4.47 | $2.90 | 53.9% | $1.57 |
| 3 | Iowa | $4.26 | $2.81 | 51.3% | $1.44 |
| 4 | Nebraska | $4.23 | $2.82 | 49.9% | $1.41 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $4.15 | $2.78 | 49.4% | $1.37 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $4.26 | $2.86 | 49.3% | $1.41 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $4.30 | $2.91 | 47.8% | $1.39 |
| 8 | Wyoming | $4.49 | $3.05 | 47.3% | $1.44 |
| 9 | Mississippi | $3.94 | $2.68 | 47.2% | $1.26 |
| 10 | Utah | $4.93 | $3.36 | 46.8% | $1.57 |
| 11 | Arkansas | $3.98 | $2.72 | 46.4% | $1.26 |
| 12 | Montana | $4.52 | $3.11 | 45.3% | $1.41 |
| 13 | Kentucky | $4.06 | $2.80 | 45.2% | $1.26 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $4.17 | $2.87 | 45.0% | $1.29 |
| 15 | Missouri | $4.03 | $2.78 | 44.8% | $1.25 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $4.09 | $2.83 | 44.7% | $1.26 |
| 17 | Kansas | $4.05 | $2.80 | 44.4% | $1.25 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $3.93 | $2.72 | 44.3% | $1.21 |
| 18 | New Hampshire | $4.33 | $3.00 | 44.3% | $1.33 |
| 18 | South Carolina | $4.03 | $2.79 | 44.3% | $1.24 |
| 21 | Tennessee | $3.97 | $2.75 | 44.2% | $1.22 |
| 21 | Michigan | $4.43 | $3.07 | 44.2% | $1.36 |
| 23 | West Virginia | $4.29 | $2.98 | 44.1% | $1.31 |
| 24 | Alabama | $3.97 | $2.77 | 43.7% | $1.21 |
| 25 | Maine | $4.40 | $3.08 | 42.9% | $1.32 |
| 26 | Connecticut | $4.45 | $3.12 | 42.8% | $1.33 |
| 27 | Rhode Island | $4.33 | $3.03 | 42.6% | $1.29 |
| 28 | Idaho | $4.94 | $3.47 | 42.4% | $1.47 |
| 29 | Massachusetts | $4.35 | $3.06 | 42.1% | $1.29 |
| 30 | Texas | $3.90 | $2.75 | 42.0% | $1.15 |
| 31 | New Jersey | $4.30 | $3.04 | 41.2% | $1.25 |
| 32 | Delaware | $4.16 | $2.95 | 40.8% | $1.21 |
| 33 | New York | $4.47 | $3.18 | 40.7% | $1.29 |
| 33 | Illinois | $4.65 | $3.30 | 40.7% | $1.35 |
| 35 | Virginia | $4.16 | $2.97 | 40.2% | $1.19 |
| 36 | Nevada | $5.48 | $3.91 | 40.1% | $1.57 |
| 37 | Vermont | $4.43 | $3.17 | 39.9% | $1.26 |
| 38 | Colorado | $4.12 | $2.95 | 39.7% | $1.17 |
| 39 | Maryland | $4.21 | $3.02 | 39.3% | $1.19 |
| 40 | District of Columbia | $4.43 | $3.23 | 37.1% | $1.20 |
| 40 | Florida | $4.15 | $3.03 | 37.1% | $1.12 |
| 42 | California | $6.38 | $4.66 | 36.9% | $1.72 |
| 43 | Pennsylvania | $4.47 | $3.27 | 36.7% | $1.20 |
| 44 | Arizona | $4.74 | $3.53 | 34.4% | $1.21 |
| 45 | Georgia | $3.85 | $2.89 | 33.0% | $0.96 |
| 46 | Alaska | $5.02 | $3.85 | 30.3% | $1.17 |
| 47 | Ohio | $3.78 | $2.98 | 27.2% | $0.81 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $5.63 | $4.49 | 25.4% | $1.14 |
| 49 | Indiana | $3.72 | $2.99 | 24.3% | $0.73 |
| 50 | Oregon | $5.04 | $4.14 | 21.8% | $0.90 |
| 51 | Washington | $5.48 | $4.52 | 21.3% | $0.96 |
Indiana and Washington metros have the smallest gas price increases
Indiana and Washington accounted for eight of the 11 metros with the smallest year-over-year gas price increases.
Among metros, Casper, Wyo., recorded the largest increase in average gas prices, rising 67.9% from $2.50 to $4.19 per gallon. It was followed by Columbus, Neb., where prices rose 60.4% from $2.69 to $4.32. Santa Fe, N.M. ($2.86 to $4.57), Sioux City, Iowa ($2.63 to $4.21), and Tulsa, Okla. ($2.46 to $3.94), tied for third with increases of 60.2%.
Metros with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Casper, WY | $4.19 | $2.50 | 67.9% | $1.69 |
| 2 | Columbus, NE | $4.32 | $2.69 | 60.4% | $1.63 |
| 3 | Santa Fe, NM | $4.57 | $2.86 | 60.2% | $1.72 |
| 3 | Sioux City (IA only), IA | $4.21 | $2.63 | 60.2% | $1.58 |
| 3 | Tulsa, OK | $3.94 | $2.46 | 60.2% | $1.48 |
| 6 | Des Moines, IA | $4.27 | $2.68 | 59.1% | $1.58 |
| 7 | Albuquerque, NM | $4.50 | $2.84 | 58.5% | $1.66 |
| 8 | Lawton, OK | $3.83 | $2.42 | 57.9% | $1.40 |
| 9 | Lubbock, TX | $3.98 | $2.52 | 57.6% | $1.45 |
| 10 | Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | $4.03 | $2.56 | 57.1% | $1.46 |
Lafayette, Ind., recorded the smallest increase in average gas prices, with prices rising 15.4% from $3.12 to $3.60 per gallon year over year. It was followed by Michigan City-La Porte, Ind., where prices increased 17.1% from $3.18 to $3.73, and Portland-Vancouver, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., where prices rose 18.2% from $4.30 to $5.09 and from $4.50 to $5.32, respectively.
Metros with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2026 | Avg. gas price, Oct. 6, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lafayette, IN | $3.60 | $3.12 | 15.4% | $0.48 |
| 2 | Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $3.73 | $3.18 | 17.1% | $0.55 |
| 3 | Portland-Vancouver (OR only), OR | $5.09 | $4.30 | 18.2% | $0.78 |
| 3 | Vancouver, WA | $5.32 | $4.50 | 18.2% | $0.82 |
| 5 | Lihue (Kauai), HI | $5.88 | $4.97 | 18.3% | $0.91 |
| 6 | Longview, WA | $5.38 | $4.52 | 19.0% | $0.86 |
| 7 | Juneau, AK | $4.75 | $3.96 | 19.8% | $0.78 |
| 7 | Olympia, WA | $5.45 | $4.55 | 19.8% | $0.90 |
| 7 | Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA | $5.67 | $4.73 | 19.8% | $0.94 |
| 10 | Bremerton, WA | $5.57 | $4.64 | 20.2% | $0.94 |
| 10 | Gary, IN | $3.73 | $3.10 | 20.2% | $0.63 |
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 $3.91 per gallon in 2026 before falling to $3.56 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 strong 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 Oct. 6, 2026, were compared with prices as of Oct. 6, 2025.
LendingTree researchers also analyzed U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data to calculate historical average prices per gallon for regular gas.