The 5 States With Highest Gas Prices - No. 1 Leads by Wide Margin
Rising gas prices across the United States have Americans feeling the pain at the pump after military action against Iran sent oil prices skyrocketing to $100 per barrel.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 35 cents since last week, according to AAA.
"Current prices are similar to the spring of 2024. Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road. Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100/barrel mark multiple times in recent days," AAA said.
The 5 States With Highest Gas Prices
The national average gas price currently sits at $3.58 per gallon – over 60 cents more than the price of gas just one month ago. With gas prices rising around the country, five states were awarded the dubious honor of having the highest prices:
- California: $5.36
- Hawaii: $4.76
- Washington: $4.74
- Nevada: $4.39
- Oregon: $4.30
California is 60 cents more expensive than the next closest state, Hawaii, which suffers from increased shipping costs.
Arizona ($4.06), Alaska ($3.96), Florida ($3.71), Pennsylvania ($3.66), and Illinois ($3.66) rounded out the top 10.
The 10 least expensive markets are: Kansas ($3.04), Oklahoma ($3.05), North Dakota ($3.09), Arkansas ($3.11), Missouri ($3.12), Mississippi ($3.16), South Dakota ($3.18), Kentucky ($3.19), Wisconsin ($3.21), and Iowa ($3.22).
Temporary Relief at the Pump Incoming
The U.S. will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help lower energy costs during the Iran war, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday night. While the U.S. will start releasing barrels next week, it will take about four months to deliver them all.
The U.S. currently has 415 million barrels in its reserve, about 58% of the authorized capacity of 714 million barrels, according to CNBC.
Related: Americans Warned Rising Gas Prices Are 'Just the Start'