US Gas Prices Soar Nearly 44% Nationwide — Every State Hit With Double-Digit Increases
Gas prices are climbing sharply across the U.S., leaving no state untouched.
The national average hit $4.50 per gallon on May 12, 2026 — a steep 43.6% jump from a year ago — with double-digit increases in every state and metro.
After rapid increases in recent months, drivers are now seeing some of the highest prices in years, with costs over $6.00 per gallon in California and surging by more than 50.0% in 12 states.
Here are our findings.
- The average U.S. gas price on May 12, 2026, was $4.50 per gallon — up 43.6% from $3.14 one year earlier.
- Average monthly gas prices surged to $4.10 per gallon in April 2026. The average was $3.64 in March and $2.91 in February.
- The highest average gas prices are in California ($6.15 per gallon), followed by Washington ($5.77) and Hawaii ($5.64).
- Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price ($3.94 per gallon), ahead of Mississippi ($3.98) and Louisiana ($4.00).
- Average gas prices saw double-digit increases in every state between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026. They rose the most in Ohio (57.2%), New Hampshire (56.0%) and Michigan (53.8%).
- Average gas prices increased the least between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026, in California and Hawaii (both at 25.6%) and Nevada (32.9%).
- Similarly, average gas prices jumped in every metro in the same period. They increased the most in Springfield, Ohio (71.0%), Dayton, Ohio (64.4%), and Covington, Ky. (63.0%).
- By metro, average gas prices jumped the least in Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii (16.4%), Santa Rosa, Calif. (19.1%), and Salinas, Calif. (19.3%).
How much have average gas prices increased?
On May 12, 2026, the average U.S. gas price was $4.50 per gallon. That’s up 43.6% from $3.14 on May 12, 2025.
The average monthly price per gallon rose significantly to $4.10 in April 2026 after being at $3.64 in March and $2.91 in February. 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| May 2025 | $3.15 |
Six of the 10 months with the highest average gas prices, dating back to 1992, occurred in 2022 — including the top five. Notably, the only other months where average gas prices reached over $4.00 a gallon before April 2026 were June and July 2008, when demand was high but global oil production was low. With an average price of $4.10 per gallon, April 2026 became the sixth-highest month for gas prices on record.
Highest gas prices (historical)
| Rank | Month | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 2022 | $4.93 |
| 2 | July 2022 | $4.56 |
| 3 | May 2022 | $4.44 |
| 4 | March 2022 | $4.22 |
| 5 | April 2022 | $4.11 |
| 6 | April 2026 | $4.10 |
| 7 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
| 8 | June 2008 | $4.05 |
| 9 | August 2022 | $3.98 |
| 10 | May 2011 | $3.91 |
Still, 2022 wasn’t the worst year for gas prices. After adjusting for inflation, 2012 had the highest average gas price at $5.07 per gallon. On an unadjusted basis, it was $3.62 per gallon.
Avg. gas prices dating to 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 average gas prices highest and lowest?
As of May 12, 2026, the highest average gas price nationwide is in California ($6.15 per gallon), followed by Washington ($5.77) and Hawaii ($5.64). Six states have average gas prices above $5.00 per gallon.
States with the highest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $6.15 |
| 2 | Washington | $5.77 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $5.64 |
| 4 | Oregon | $5.33 |
| 5 | Alaska | $5.26 |
Conversely, Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price at $3.94 per gallon, followed by Mississippi ($3.98) and Louisiana ($4.00). Ultimately, only Oklahoma and Mississippi have average gas prices below $4.00 per gallon.
States with the lowest average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $3.94 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $3.98 |
| 3 | Louisiana | $4.00 |
| 4 | Texas | $4.01 |
| 4 | Georgia | $4.01 |
| 4 | Arkansas | $4.01 |
Full rankings
Highest average gas prices (by state)
| Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $6.15 | 36.5% |
| 2 | Washington | $5.77 | 28.1% |
| 3 | Hawaii | $5.64 | 25.2% |
| 4 | Oregon | $5.33 | 18.3% |
| 5 | Alaska | $5.26 | 16.8% |
| 6 | Nevada | $5.24 | 16.3% |
| 7 | Illinois | $4.97 | 10.3% |
| 8 | Arizona | $4.80 | 6.6% |
| 9 | Michigan | $4.71 | 4.6% |
| 10 | Ohio | $4.68 | 3.9% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | $4.66 | 3.5% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | $4.63 | 2.8% |
| 13 | Connecticut | $4.62 | 2.6% |
| 14 | Idaho | $4.61 | 2.4% |
| 15 | New York | $4.59 | 1.9% |
| 16 | Utah | $4.57 | 1.5% |
| 17 | Vermont | $4.54 | 0.8% |
| 18 | Maine | $4.52 | 0.4% |
| 18 | New Jersey | $4.52 | 0.4% |
| 20 | Montana | $4.49 | -0.3% |
| 21 | Rhode Island | $4.48 | -0.5% |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $4.48 | -0.5% |
| 23 | Massachusetts | $4.46 | -1.0% |
| 24 | Maryland | $4.45 | -1.2% |
| 25 | Wyoming | $4.44 | -1.4% |
| 26 | Colorado | $4.39 | -2.5% |
| 27 | West Virginia | $4.38 | -2.8% |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $4.38 | -2.8% |
| 29 | Florida | $4.36 | -3.2% |
| 30 | Delaware | $4.34 | -3.6% |
| 31 | Indiana | $4.32 | -4.1% |
| 32 | Virginia | $4.28 | -5.0% |
| 33 | Kentucky | $4.24 | -5.9% |
| 34 | South Dakota | $4.21 | -6.5% |
| 35 | Iowa | $4.19 | -7.0% |
| 36 | New Mexico | $4.17 | -7.4% |
| 37 | Minnesota | $4.16 | -7.6% |
| 38 | North Carolina | $4.15 | -7.9% |
| 38 | Missouri | $4.15 | -7.9% |
| 40 | Tennessee | $4.14 | -8.1% |
| 40 | North Dakota | $4.14 | -8.1% |
| 42 | South Carolina | $4.12 | -8.5% |
| 43 | Nebraska | $4.08 | -9.4% |
| 43 | Kansas | $4.08 | -9.4% |
| 45 | Alabama | $4.06 | -9.9% |
| 46 | Texas | $4.01 | -11.0% |
| 46 | Georgia | $4.01 | -11.0% |
| 46 | Arkansas | $4.01 | -11.0% |
| 49 | Louisiana | $4.00 | -11.2% |
| 50 | Mississippi | $3.98 | -11.6% |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $3.94 | -12.5% |
Where have average gas prices increased the most?
Not surprisingly, average gas prices increased by double digits in every state between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.
The average gas price increased in Ohio by 57.2% from $2.97 to $4.68 per gallon, followed by New Hampshire (56.0% from $2.87 to $4.48) and Michigan (53.8% from $3.06 to $4.71).
States with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2026 | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $4.68 | $2.97 | 57.2% | $1.70 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $4.48 | $2.87 | 56.0% | $1.61 |
| 3 | Michigan | $4.71 | $3.06 | 53.8% | $1.65 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $4.14 | $2.72 | 52.1% | $1.42 |
| 5 | Maine | $4.52 | $2.97 | 52.0% | $1.55 |
Meanwhile, average gas prices increased the least in California and Hawaii between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026 — though the change was still significant. There, gas prices rose 25.6% from $4.90 and $4.49 to $6.15 and $5.64. Nevada follows with a price increase of 32.9% from $3.94 to $5.24.
States with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2026 | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $6.15 | $4.90 | 25.6% | $1.26 |
| 1 | Hawaii | $5.64 | $4.49 | 25.6% | $1.15 |
| 3 | Nevada | $5.24 | $3.94 | 32.9% | $1.30 |
| 4 | Washington | $5.77 | $4.28 | 34.6% | $1.48 |
| 5 | Oregon | $5.33 | $3.91 | 36.3% | $1.42 |
Full rankings
Changes in average gas prices (by state)
| Rank | State | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2026 | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $4.68 | $2.97 | 57.2% | $1.70 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $4.48 | $2.87 | 56.0% | $1.61 |
| 3 | Michigan | $4.71 | $3.06 | 53.8% | $1.65 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $4.14 | $2.72 | 52.1% | $1.42 |
| 5 | Maine | $4.52 | $2.97 | 52.0% | $1.55 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $4.48 | $2.96 | 51.6% | $1.53 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $4.52 | $2.98 | 51.6% | $1.54 |
| 8 | Mississippi | $3.98 | $2.63 | 51.4% | $1.35 |
| 9 | South Carolina | $4.12 | $2.73 | 50.9% | $1.39 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $4.62 | $3.07 | 50.6% | $1.55 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $4.46 | $2.97 | 50.5% | $1.50 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $4.38 | $2.92 | 50.2% | $1.46 |
| 13 | Florida | $4.36 | $2.92 | 49.3% | $1.44 |
| 14 | New Mexico | $4.17 | $2.80 | 48.9% | $1.37 |
| 15 | Kentucky | $4.24 | $2.85 | 48.8% | $1.39 |
| 16 | Louisiana | $4.00 | $2.69 | 48.5% | $1.31 |
| 17 | Alabama | $4.06 | $2.74 | 48.4% | $1.32 |
| 18 | New York | $4.59 | $3.10 | 48.2% | $1.49 |
| 19 | Vermont | $4.54 | $3.07 | 48.1% | $1.48 |
| 19 | Missouri | $4.15 | $2.81 | 48.1% | $1.35 |
| 21 | Texas | $4.01 | $2.72 | 47.2% | $1.29 |
| 22 | Arkansas | $4.01 | $2.73 | 46.9% | $1.28 |
| 23 | Oklahoma | $3.94 | $2.69 | 46.6% | $1.25 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $4.15 | $2.84 | 46.1% | $1.31 |
| 25 | Illinois | $4.97 | $3.40 | 46.0% | $1.57 |
| 26 | Alaska | $5.26 | $3.61 | 45.9% | $1.66 |
| 27 | Arizona | $4.80 | $3.29 | 45.8% | $1.51 |
| 28 | Iowa | $4.19 | $2.88 | 45.5% | $1.31 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | $4.63 | $3.19 | 45.3% | $1.45 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $4.38 | $3.02 | 45.2% | $1.36 |
| 31 | Virginia | $4.28 | $2.96 | 44.6% | $1.32 |
| 32 | Kansas | $4.08 | $2.83 | 44.3% | $1.25 |
| 33 | Delaware | $4.34 | $3.03 | 43.4% | $1.31 |
| 34 | Minnesota | $4.16 | $2.90 | 43.3% | $1.26 |
| 35 | North Dakota | $4.14 | $2.91 | 42.5% | $1.24 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $4.66 | $3.28 | 42.0% | $1.38 |
| 37 | Montana | $4.49 | $3.16 | 41.9% | $1.33 |
| 38 | Colorado | $4.39 | $3.10 | 41.8% | $1.30 |
| 38 | Maryland | $4.45 | $3.14 | 41.8% | $1.31 |
| 40 | Wyoming | $4.44 | $3.13 | 41.6% | $1.30 |
| 41 | Indiana | $4.32 | $3.06 | 41.0% | $1.26 |
| 42 | Idaho | $4.61 | $3.29 | 40.2% | $1.32 |
| 42 | Utah | $4.57 | $3.26 | 40.2% | $1.31 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $4.21 | $3.01 | 40.0% | $1.20 |
| 45 | Georgia | $4.01 | $2.88 | 39.2% | $1.13 |
| 45 | Nebraska | $4.08 | $2.93 | 39.2% | $1.15 |
| 47 | Oregon | $5.33 | $3.91 | 36.3% | $1.42 |
| 48 | Washington | $5.77 | $4.28 | 34.6% | $1.48 |
| 49 | Nevada | $5.24 | $3.94 | 32.9% | $1.30 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $5.64 | $4.49 | 25.6% | $1.15 |
| 50 | California | $6.15 | $4.90 | 25.6% | $1.26 |
Biggest metro increases in Ohio
Similarly, average gas prices increased in every tracked metro (as designated by AAA).
Springfield, Ohio, saw the largest increase, with gas prices rising by 71.0% from $2.68 to $4.58. This was followed by Dayton, Ohio, where prices increased by 64.4%, from $2.82 to $4.64, and Covington, Ky., with a 63.0% increase from $2.83 to $4.62.
Metros with the biggest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2026 | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield, OH | $4.58 | $2.68 | 71.0% | $1.90 |
| 2 | Dayton, OH | $4.64 | $2.82 | 64.4% | $1.82 |
| 3 | Covington, KY | $4.62 | $2.83 | 63.0% | $1.79 |
| 4 | Yuma, AZ | $4.81 | $2.98 | 61.2% | $1.83 |
| 5 | Henderson, KY | $4.16 | $2.59 | 60.5% | $1.57 |
| 6 | Farmington, NM | $4.49 | $2.80 | 60.3% | $1.69 |
| 7 | Traverse City, MI | $4.68 | $2.93 | 59.7% | $1.75 |
| 8 | Jackson, MI | $4.69 | $2.94 | 59.5% | $1.75 |
| 9 | Cincinnati (OH only), OH | $4.57 | $2.88 | 58.6% | $1.69 |
| 10 | Benton Harbor, MI | $4.75 | $3.01 | 57.7% | $1.74 |
Meanwhile, Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii, saw average gas prices rise the least, by 16.4% from $5.10 to $5.94. Rounding out the top three lowest increases are Santa Rosa, Calif., where prices rose by 19.1% from $5.27 to $6.28, and Salinas, Calif., where prices increased by 19.3% from $5.27 to $6.28. (Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers.)
Metros with the smallest increases in average gas prices
| Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2026 | Avg. gas price, May 12, 2025 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lihue (Kauai), HI | $5.94 | $5.10 | 16.4% | $0.84 |
| 2 | Santa Rosa, CA | $6.28 | $5.27 | 19.1% | $1.01 |
| 3 | Salinas, CA | $6.28 | $5.27 | 19.3% | $1.01 |
| 4 | Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $6.10 | $5.07 | 20.3% | $1.03 |
| 5 | Chico-Paradise, CA | $5.90 | $4.91 | 20.4% | $0.99 |
| 5 | San Jose, CA | $6.14 | $5.10 | 20.4% | $1.04 |
| 7 | San Rafael, CA | $6.32 | $5.23 | 20.7% | $1.09 |
| 7 | Yolo, CA | $6.02 | $4.99 | 20.7% | $1.03 |
| 9 | Sacramento, CA | $6.11 | $5.06 | 20.8% | $1.05 |
| 9 | Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $6.26 | $5.18 | 20.8% | $1.08 |
How can I utilize credit cards for cash back at the gas station?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas prices to be $3.88 per gallon in 2026 before coming down to $3.62 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 leveraging 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 are as of May 12, 2026, and are compared to those on May 12, 2025.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.