About the PADD Regions
The EIA divides the US into 5 Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADDs), originally created during World War II to coordinate fuel rationing. Today they remain the primary framework for tracking regional fuel supply and pricing.
PADD 1 — East Coast: CT, DE, FL, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA, WV, DC. The most populous region. Heavily dependent on pipeline deliveries from Gulf Coast refineries and imports via East Coast ports. New England (sub-region) often pays a premium due to distance from refineries.
PADD 2 — Midwest: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, WI. Major refining hub (Chicago area). Served by multiple pipelines from Gulf Coast and Canada. Typically prices in the middle of the national range.
PADD 3 — Gulf Coast: AL, AR, LA, MS, NM, TX. The lowest-cost region, home to the largest refinery complex in the world. Refineries here produce gasoline for much of the eastern US. Minimal transport costs keep retail prices low.
PADD 4 — Rocky Mountain: CO, ID, MT, UT, WY. A landlocked region with limited pipeline connections. Relies on local refineries. Prices vary more here due to logistics challenges and thinner competition.
PADD 5 — West Coast: AK, AZ, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA. The most expensive region, dominated by California's premium pricing. California's CARB fuel blend requirements create a semi-isolated market that frequently diverges from national trends.
For state-level detail, see our gas prices by state page. For the national outlook, read our 2026 forecast.