Navigating the roads of uncertainty, the price of gasoline in the United States has skyrocketed since the pandemic. The gas price surge can be attributed to a surge in travel after a year of stagnation, due to the pandemic, and geopolitical events such as the Ukrainian crisis that disrupted oil supplies from Russia, a leading global supplier. State taxes, transportation costs, levels of supply, and proximity to major oil refineries all contribute to the disparities in gas prices across states. Consequently, the price at the pump can fluctuate dramatically as you traverse from one state to another.
The state of Washington holds the unfortunate honor of having the highest gas prices nationwide, with an average price per gallon hitting a staggering $4.93. Hot on its heels is California, the state infamous for its high cost of living; the average gas price here stands at a close $4.89 per gallon, amplifying the financial strain on its residents. Just shy of the $4.70 mark is Hawaii, with an average gas price of $4.69 per gallon. The costs associated with transporting fuel to this remote Pacific archipelago result in Hawaii’s consistently high gas prices. Both Oregon and Alaska bump the average price up to roughly $4.60 and $4.30 per gallon, respectively. Next, we see Nevada, with its residents paying an average of $4.21 for a gallon of gas, likely influenced by its influx in tourism and the consequent rise in demand. Rounding out the top ten are Utah, Idaho, Illinois, and Colorado. Despite their diverse geographical placements, they share the commonality of elevated gas prices. Utah’s average stands at $3.96, while Idaho’s gas price lingers around $3.89 per gallon. In Illinois, the average gas price is $3.84 per gallon, and in Colorado, it is slightly lower at $3.82 per gallon. Highest Gas Prices in the U.S.:
Mississippi tops the list of states with the lowest average gas price, standing at just $3.04 per gallon. Residents of Alabama and Tennessee also enjoy comparably low gas prices with both states having an average price of $3.17 per gallon. In Louisiana, the average gas price is marginally higher but still low at $3.18, followed closely by Arkansas, with an average price of $3.19. Texas, known for its oil refinery operations, maintains a relatively lower average gas price at $3.23. While States like Kentucky, Oklahoma and Ohio's average gas prices are slightly higher but remain reasonably affordable at $3.25, $3.26, and $3.28 respectively. Missouri is another state which lands in the list of low gas price states with an average price per gallon standing at $3.28. Lowest Gas Prices in the U.S.: