⛽ Live Data — Regular Unleaded — Updated Weekly
Gas Prices
By State
Live gas prices for every US state, sourced weekly from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). See which states are cheapest and most expensive in 2026 — and how the Iran ceasefire may affect your state's pump price.
| # | State | Price/Gal ↓ | Week Change | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Why Gas Prices Vary by State
State & Local Taxes
State gas taxes are the single biggest driver of price differences. California's total fuel tax (state + federal + fees) exceeds 70¢/gal. Texas sits around 38¢/gal. This alone accounts for $0.30–$0.35 of the spread between the cheapest and most expensive states.
Refinery Proximity
States near Gulf Coast refineries in Texas and Louisiana — including Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas — benefit from lower transportation costs. West Coast states like California and Washington have fewer pipeline connections and rely more on local refinery capacity.
Special Fuel Blends
California, Colorado, and a few Northeastern states require CARB-compliant or low-emission fuel blends. These blends cost more to produce and can only be sourced from a limited number of refineries, which increases prices and creates local supply crunches during refinery outages.
The Iran Ceasefire Effect
If the April 2026 US-Iran ceasefire holds and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, analysts expect a $0.30–$0.50/gal drop across all states within 2 weeks. High-priced states like California could dip below $5.20. Gulf Coast states may approach $3.80–$4.00 if crude falls to $90/barrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the cheapest gas prices in 2026?
Texas consistently has the cheapest gas prices in the US. Its proximity to major Gulf Coast refineries and relatively low state fuel taxes (around 20¢/gal state tax) keep prices well below the national average. Other low-cost states include Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi — though EIA data only covers a subset of states weekly.
Which state has the most expensive gas prices?
California has the most expensive gas in the country by a wide margin — often $1.00–$1.50/gal above the national average. The reasons: California's state excise tax (57.9¢/gal), its unique CARB-compliant fuel blend requirement, limited pipeline access from other regions, and a carbon cap-and-trade surcharge that adds roughly 15–30¢/gal on top of taxes.
Why do gas prices differ so much by state?
The four main factors are: (1) State fuel taxes — ranging from 20¢ to 70¢+ per gallon; (2) Distance from refineries — states near Gulf Coast refineries pay less for transport; (3) Fuel blend requirements — California and some Northeast states require more expensive reformulated blends; (4) Competition — states with fewer gas stations or limited supply routes tend to have higher retail margins.
How often is this state gas price data updated?
The EIA releases its weekly retail gasoline price data every Monday afternoon for the prior week. This page updates automatically as soon as that data is published. Note that EIA's weekly survey covers approximately 21 states — the highest-population and most strategically important markets. Data for other states is interpolated or available on a less frequent basis.
Will gas prices drop in all states if the Iran deal holds?
Yes — if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, analysts project a $0.30–$0.50/gal decline across all states within 2 weeks. The highest-priced states (California, Washington) may see the largest nominal drops. Gulf Coast states could return to near pre-war levels of $3.60–$3.90/gal if Brent crude falls back to $90/barrel as projected.
About This Data
State gas prices are sourced weekly from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) petroleum price survey. EIA covers approximately 21 states in its weekly report. Prices shown are for regular unleaded gasoline. Data updates every Monday. Privacy Policy · National Average →