US Gas Prices Decrease By As Much As 17% — See Where Your State Stacks Up
Key takeaways
- The average U.S. gas price on March 18, 2025, was $3.08 per gallon — down 11.2% from $3.47 a year ago.
- The highest average gas price per gallon in 2024 was in April ($3.61) and the lowest was in December ($3.02).
- The average gas price per gallon in 2024 was $3.30, down 6.1% from $3.52 in 2023 and 16.4% from $3.95 in 2022.
- The highest average gas prices are in California ($4.65 per gallon), Hawaii ($4.53) and Washington ($4.08).
- Mississippi has the lowest average gas price ($2.64 per gallon), ahead of Oklahoma ($2.67) and Texas and Kentucky (both at $2.68).
- Average gas prices decreased the least between March 18, 2024, and March 18, 2025, in Wyoming (2.2%), Colorado (2.4%) and Hawaii (3.5%).
- Average gas prices decreased the most between March 18, 2024, and March 18, 2025, in North Carolina (17.3%), Michigan (17.2%) and Indiana (16.8%).
- By metro, average gas prices jumped the most in three Colorado metros: Vail (4.9%), Grand Junction (1.9%) and Glenwood Springs (1.6%).
- By metro, average gas prices decreased the most in Traverse City, Mich. (22.2%), Fayetteville, N.C. (20.3%), and Goldsboro, N.C. (20.1%).
Average monthly gas prices are down $1.81 per gallon from their peak in June 2022, according to the newest LendingTree analysis.
Meanwhile, average daily gas prices are down by 11.2% year over year as of March 18. Prices fell in every state, ranging from 2.2% in Wyoming to 17.3% in North Carolina.
We examined the biggest fluctuations in gas prices between March 18, 2024, and March 18, 2025. In addition to highlighting which states and metros saw the biggest increases and decreases, we’ll explain how you can use credit card rewards to earn cash back at the pump.
Average gas prices decreased 11.2% nationwide — here’s how they fluctuated
On March 18, 2025, the average U.S. gas price was $3.08 per gallon. That’s down 11.2% from $3.47 on March 18, 2024.
Much to the pain of U.S. consumers’ pockets, the average gas price per gallon in 2024 was $3.30, though that’s down from $3.52 in 2023. In 2024, monthly prices peaked at $3.61 in April before gradually declining to a low of $3.02 in December. So far in 2025, the average gas price was $3.08 per gallon in January and $3.12 in February.
Average gas prices over past 12 months
Month | Avg. price per gallon |
---|---|
March 2024 | $3.43 |
April 2024 | $3.61 |
May 2024 | $3.60 |
June 2024 | $3.46 |
July 2024 | $3.48 |
August 2024 | $3.39 |
September 2024 | $3.21 |
October 2024 | $3.14 |
November 2024 | $3.05 |
December 2024 | $3.02 |
January 2025 | $3.08 |
February 2025 | $3.12 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
It’s worth noting how gas prices dipped in 2024 compared to two years earlier in 2022. To put it into perspective, six of the 10 months with the highest average gas prices dating to 1992 occurred in 2022 — with the year claiming the top five spots. Notably, the only other months where average gas prices reached over $4.00 a gallon were June and July 2008, when demand was high but global oil production was low.
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 | July 2008 | $4.06 |
7 | June 2008 | $4.05 |
8 | August 2022 | $3.98 |
9 | May 2011 | $3.91 |
10 | April 2012 | $3.90 |
Source: EIA. Note: Prices aren’t adjusted for inflation.
Still, 2022 wasn’t the worst year for gas prices. When adjusted for inflation, 2012 had the highest average gas price, at $4.94 per gallon. Before adjusting for inflation, it was $3.62 per gallon.
Avg. gas prices dating to 1992
Year | Avg. price per gallon | Avg. inflation-adjusted price per gallon |
---|---|---|
1992 | $1.09 | $2.43 |
1993 | $1.07 | $2.32 |
1994 | $1.08 | $2.28 |
1995 | $1.11 | $2.29 |
1996 | $1.20 | $2.40 |
1997 | $1.20 | $2.34 |
1998 | $1.03 | $1.98 |
1999 | $1.14 | $2.14 |
2000 | $1.48 | $2.70 |
2001 | $1.42 | $2.52 |
2002 | $1.35 | $2.35 |
2003 | $1.56 | $2.66 |
2004 | $1.85 | $3.08 |
2005 | $2.27 | $3.65 |
2006 | $2.57 | $4.00 |
2007 | $2.80 | $4.23 |
2008 | $3.25 | $4.73 |
2009 | $2.35 | $3.44 |
2010 | $2.78 | $4.00 |
2011 | $3.52 | $4.91 |
2012 | $3.62 | $4.94 |
2013 | $3.51 | $4.72 |
2014 | $3.36 | $4.45 |
2015 | $2.43 | $3.21 |
2016 | $2.14 | $2.80 |
2017 | $2.42 | $3.09 |
2018 | $2.72 | $3.40 |
2019 | $2.60 | $3.20 |
2020 | $2.17 | $2.63 |
2021 | $3.01 | $3.48 |
2022 | $3.95 | $4.23 |
2023 | $3.52 | $3.62 |
2024 | $3.30 | $3.30 |
Source: EIA.
Average gas prices highest in California, lowest in Mississippi
As of March 18, 2025, the highest average gas price is in California ($4.65 per gallon). Hawaii ($4.53) and Washington ($4.08) follow.
States with highest average gas prices
Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
---|---|---|
1 | California | $4.65 |
2 | Hawaii | $4.53 |
3 | Washington | $4.08 |
4 | Nevada | $3.72 |
4 | Oregon | $3.72 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of March 18, 2025.
Conversely, Mississippi has the lowest average gas price, at $2.64 per gallon, ahead of Oklahoma ($2.67) and Texas and Kentucky (both at $2.68).
States with lowest average gas prices
Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon |
---|---|---|
1 | Mississippi | $2.64 |
2 | Oklahoma | $2.67 |
3 | Texas | $2.68 |
3 | Kentucky | $2.68 |
5 | Tennessee | $2.70 |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of March 18, 2025.
Full rankings
Highest average gas prices (by state)
Rank | State | Avg. price per gallon | % difference from avg. U.S. gas price |
---|---|---|---|
1 | California | $4.65 | 51.1% |
2 | Hawaii | $4.53 | 47.2% |
3 | Washington | $4.08 | 32.6% |
4 | Nevada | $3.72 | 20.9% |
4 | Oregon | $3.72 | 20.9% |
6 | Alaska | $3.39 | 10.1% |
7 | Arizona | $3.35 | 8.8% |
8 | Illinois | $3.24 | 5.3% |
8 | Idaho | $3.24 | 5.3% |
10 | Pennsylvania | $3.22 | 4.6% |
11 | District of Columbia | $3.21 | 4.3% |
12 | Utah | $3.14 | 2.0% |
13 | Vermont | $3.13 | 1.7% |
14 | Montana | $3.12 | 1.4% |
15 | New York | $3.11 | 1.0% |
16 | Florida | $3.07 | -0.3% |
17 | Wyoming | $3.05 | -0.9% |
18 | Maine | $3.03 | -1.6% |
19 | Maryland | $3.02 | -1.9% |
19 | Michigan | $3.02 | -1.9% |
21 | Connecticut | $3.00 | -2.5% |
22 | Colorado | $2.99 | -2.9% |
22 | North Dakota | $2.99 | -2.9% |
24 | South Dakota | $2.97 | -3.5% |
25 | Minnesota | $2.96 | -3.8% |
25 | Massachusetts | $2.96 | -3.8% |
27 | Nebraska | $2.94 | -4.5% |
28 | Indiana | $2.93 | -4.8% |
29 | New Jersey | $2.92 | -5.1% |
29 | Rhode Island | $2.92 | -5.1% |
29 | New Hampshire | $2.92 | -5.1% |
32 | Virginia | $2.90 | -5.8% |
32 | Iowa | $2.90 | -5.8% |
34 | Georgia | $2.89 | -6.1% |
34 | New Mexico | $2.89 | -6.1% |
34 | Ohio | $2.89 | -6.1% |
37 | Delaware | $2.87 | -6.8% |
37 | Wisconsin | $2.87 | -6.8% |
39 | West Virginia | $2.85 | -7.4% |
40 | Missouri | $2.79 | -9.4% |
40 | Kansas | $2.79 | -9.4% |
42 | North Carolina | $2.75 | -10.7% |
43 | Arkansas | $2.74 | -11.0% |
43 | Alabama | $2.74 | -11.0% |
45 | Louisiana | $2.72 | -11.6% |
46 | South Carolina | $2.71 | -12.0% |
47 | Tennessee | $2.70 | -12.3% |
48 | Kentucky | $2.68 | -12.9% |
48 | Texas | $2.68 | -12.9% |
50 | Oklahoma | $2.67 | -13.3% |
51 | Mississippi | $2.64 | -14.2% |
Source: AAA. Note: Prices as of March 18, 2025.
Where average gas prices fell least, most
It’s also worth noting which states saw the biggest year-over-year changes. In this look, every state saw a decrease. Average gas prices decreased the least in Wyoming (2.2%) between March 18, 2024, and March 18, 2025, from $3.11 to $3.05.
Colorado, where prices decreased 2.4% from $3.06 to $2.99, and Hawaii, where prices decreased 3.5% from $4.70 to $4.53, followed.
States with smallest decreases in average gas prices
Rank | State | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2025 | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2024 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wyoming | $3.05 | $3.11 | -2.2% | -$0.07 |
2 | Colorado | $2.99 | $3.06 | -2.4% | -$0.07 |
3 | Hawaii | $4.53 | $4.70 | -3.5% | -$0.17 |
4 | Idaho | $3.24 | $3.37 | -4.1% | -$0.14 |
5 | Vermont | $3.13 | $3.30 | -5.0% | -$0.17 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Meanwhile, North Carolina’s average gas prices decreased the most between March 18, 2024, and March 18, 2025. Here, gas prices fell 17.3% from $3.32 to $2.75. Michigan, where prices fell 17.2% from $3.65 to $3.02, and Indiana, where prices fell 16.8% from $3.53 to $2.93, followed.
States with biggest decreases in average gas prices
Rank | State | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2025 | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2024 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina | $2.75 | $3.32 | -17.3% | -$0.57 |
2 | Michigan | $3.02 | $3.65 | -17.2% | -$0.63 |
3 | Indiana | $2.93 | $3.53 | -16.8% | -$0.59 |
4 | South Carolina | $2.71 | $3.24 | -16.1% | -$0.52 |
5 | Kentucky | $2.68 | $3.14 | -14.6% | -$0.46 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Full rankings
Changes in average gas prices (by state)
Rank | State | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2025 | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2024 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wyoming | $3.05 | $3.11 | -2.2% | -$0.07 |
2 | Colorado | $2.99 | $3.06 | -2.4% | -$0.07 |
3 | Hawaii | $4.53 | $4.70 | -3.5% | -$0.17 |
4 | Idaho | $3.24 | $3.37 | -4.1% | -$0.14 |
5 | Vermont | $3.13 | $3.30 | -5.0% | -$0.17 |
6 | Washington | $4.08 | $4.31 | -5.2% | -$0.23 |
7 | California | $4.65 | $4.91 | -5.3% | -$0.26 |
8 | Utah | $3.14 | $3.34 | -5.8% | -$0.20 |
9 | Nebraska | $2.94 | $3.17 | -7.4% | -$0.23 |
10 | New York | $3.11 | $3.37 | -7.6% | -$0.26 |
11 | South Dakota | $2.97 | $3.22 | -7.7% | -$0.25 |
11 | Minnesota | $2.96 | $3.21 | -7.7% | -$0.25 |
13 | Maine | $3.03 | $3.29 | -7.8% | -$0.26 |
14 | Oregon | $3.72 | $4.07 | -8.6% | -$0.35 |
14 | New Hampshire | $2.92 | $3.19 | -8.6% | -$0.27 |
16 | Iowa | $2.90 | $3.18 | -9.0% | -$0.29 |
16 | Massachusetts | $2.96 | $3.25 | -9.0% | -$0.29 |
18 | Rhode Island | $2.92 | $3.22 | -9.4% | -$0.30 |
19 | North Dakota | $2.99 | $3.30 | -9.5% | -$0.31 |
20 | Arizona | $3.35 | $3.71 | -9.9% | -$0.37 |
21 | Ohio | $2.89 | $3.21 | -10.1% | -$0.32 |
22 | Pennsylvania | $3.22 | $3.58 | -10.3% | -$0.37 |
23 | Montana | $3.12 | $3.48 | -10.5% | -$0.36 |
23 | New Jersey | $2.92 | $3.26 | -10.5% | -$0.34 |
25 | Alaska | $3.39 | $3.80 | -10.8% | -$0.41 |
26 | Connecticut | $3.00 | $3.36 | -10.9% | -$0.37 |
27 | Nevada | $3.72 | $4.19 | -11.1% | -$0.47 |
27 | New Mexico | $2.89 | $3.25 | -11.1% | -$0.36 |
29 | Florida | $3.07 | $3.46 | -11.2% | -$0.39 |
30 | Arkansas | $2.74 | $3.09 | -11.4% | -$0.35 |
30 | District of Columbia | $3.21 | $3.62 | -11.4% | -$0.41 |
32 | Kansas | $2.79 | $3.16 | -11.6% | -$0.37 |
33 | Illinois | $3.24 | $3.72 | -12.7% | -$0.47 |
34 | Texas | $2.68 | $3.07 | -12.8% | -$0.39 |
35 | Missouri | $2.79 | $3.21 | -12.9% | -$0.41 |
35 | Tennessee | $2.70 | $3.10 | -12.9% | -$0.40 |
35 | Delaware | $2.87 | $3.29 | -12.9% | -$0.42 |
38 | Mississippi | $2.64 | $3.04 | -13.1% | -$0.40 |
38 | West Virginia | $2.85 | $3.28 | -13.1% | -$0.43 |
40 | Oklahoma | $2.67 | $3.08 | -13.2% | -$0.41 |
41 | Louisiana | $2.72 | $3.14 | -13.4% | -$0.42 |
42 | Wisconsin | $2.87 | $3.32 | -13.6% | -$0.45 |
43 | Alabama | $2.74 | $3.18 | -13.9% | -$0.44 |
43 | Maryland | $3.02 | $3.51 | -13.9% | -$0.49 |
45 | Georgia | $2.89 | $3.36 | -14.0% | -$0.47 |
46 | Virginia | $2.90 | $3.38 | -14.1% | -$0.48 |
47 | Kentucky | $2.68 | $3.14 | -14.6% | -$0.46 |
48 | South Carolina | $2.71 | $3.24 | -16.1% | -$0.52 |
49 | Indiana | $2.93 | $3.53 | -16.8% | -$0.59 |
50 | Michigan | $3.02 | $3.65 | -17.2% | -$0.63 |
51 | North Carolina | $2.75 | $3.32 | -17.3% | -$0.57 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Colorado metros account for most of increases
Metros (as designated by AAA) in Colorado saw the largest average gas price increases, though the changes were lower than usual. Four of the five metros with rising gas prices were in Colorado.
Vail saw the biggest jump, with prices increasing 4.9% from $3.20 to $3.36. It’s followed by other Colorado metros Grand Junction, where gas prices increased by 1.9% from $3.11 to $3.17, and Glenwood Springs, where prices increased by 1.6% from $3.39 to $3.45.
Metros with biggest jumps in average gas prices
Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2025 | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2024 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vail, CO | $3.36 | $3.20 | 4.9% | $0.16 |
2 | Grand Junction (CO only), CO | $3.17 | $3.11 | 1.9% | $0.06 |
3 | Glenwood Springs, CO | $3.45 | $3.39 | 1.6% | $0.06 |
4 | Idaho Falls, ID | $3.23 | $3.20 | 1.0% | $0.03 |
4 | Boulder-Longmont, CO | $3.03 | $3.00 | 1.0% | $0.03 |
6 | North Platte, NE | $3.23 | $3.26 | -0.7% | -$0.03 |
7 | Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $4.90 | $4.94 | -0.8% | -$0.04 |
8 | Casper, WY | $2.85 | $2.88 | -1.2% | -$0.03 |
9 | Rapid City, SD | $3.22 | $3.27 | -1.3% | -$0.05 |
10 | Lihue (Kauai), HI | $5.12 | $5.20 | -1.4% | -$0.08 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Meanwhile, average gas prices decreased the most in Traverse City, Mich., falling 22.2% from $3.72 to $2.90. Following closely are two metros in North Carolina: Fayetteville, where prices decreased by 20.3%, from $3.31 to $2.64, and Goldsboro, where prices dropped by 20.1%, from $3.30 to $2.64.
Metros with biggest decreases in average gas prices
Rank | Metro | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2025 | Avg. gas price, March 18, 2024 | YoY % change | YoY $ change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Traverse City, MI | $2.90 | $3.72 | -22.2% | -$0.82 |
2 | Fayetteville, NC | $2.64 | $3.31 | -20.3% | -$0.67 |
3 | Goldsboro, NC | $2.64 | $3.30 | -20.1% | -$0.66 |
4 | Rocky Mount, NC | $2.68 | $3.35 | -19.8% | -$0.67 |
5 | Bowling Green, KY | $2.62 | $3.25 | -19.4% | -$0.63 |
5 | Lafayette, IN | $2.89 | $3.58 | -19.4% | -$0.69 |
7 | New Bern, NC | $2.71 | $3.35 | -19.3% | -$0.64 |
8 | Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI | $3.02 | $3.72 | -18.8% | -$0.70 |
9 | Benton Harbor, MI | $3.00 | $3.69 | -18.7% | -$0.69 |
10 | Burlington, NC | $2.71 | $3.33 | -18.6% | -$0.62 |
10 | Wilmington, NC | $2.71 | $3.33 | -18.6% | -$0.62 |
10 | Winston-Salem, NC | $2.70 | $3.32 | -18.6% | -$0.62 |
Source: LendingTree analysis of AAA data. Notes: Year-over-year changes were calculated using unrounded numbers. The rankings are based on year-over-year percentage changes.
Utilizing credit cards for cash back at the gas station: Expert tips
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts gas to be $3.20 per gallon in 2025 and $3.20 in 2026.
LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz says drivers can do a few things to save on gas at the pump. His first tip? Shop around.
“Obviously, 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 price on gas can add up over a year, depending on how often you fill up.”
Next, Schulz says to leverage 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.”
Expert insight
LendingTree is curating an exclusive panel of professionals, spanning various areas of expertise, to help dissect difficult subjects and empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Read on for more gas price insights.
- What are some key indicators to predict gas price trends?
- What are some ways consumers can combat high gas prices?
- In light of current gas prices, what are the financial benefits and considerations in investing in a more fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle?
- Are there specific budgeting techniques or financial tools that can help individuals amid unpredictable gas prices?
- How should individuals adjust their travel or commuting habits to manage the financial impact of higher gas prices?

Bryan Cutsinger, Ph.D.
Assistant professor and undergraduate director, Florida Atlantic University College of Business
What are some key indicators to predict gas price trends?
Predicting the future is difficult. However, one way to get a sense of what may happen to gas prices in the future is by looking at the price of oil futures. These contracts provide a view of what people think will happen to oil prices. As these prices rise, future gas prices will also likely increase. This approach is imperfect, as the people buying and selling these contracts may be wrong about future oil prices. Nonetheless, it can be a helpful data point when planning for higher gas prices.
What are some ways consumers can combat high gas prices?
The strategies consumers can adopt to combat high gas prices depend on how long they expect prices to remain high. If the price increase is temporary, carpooling or working from home temporarily can provide relief. More drastic changes may be needed if consumers expect the gas price to stay high for a long time. For example, investing in a more fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle (EV) may make sense. Consumers may also consider relocating to be closer to their jobs.
In light of current gas prices, what are the financial benefits and considerations in investing in a more fuel-efficient car or EV?
Investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle can reduce how much you spend on gas. However, whether it makes sense to go out and buy one depends on more than just current gas prices. For example, a more fuel-efficient vehicle enables you to drive more miles per gallon. As a result, you may drive more miles than you would with a less fuel-efficient vehicle, potentially increasing your total spending on gas.
Another factor you should consider is how long you expect gas prices to remain high. For instance, you would not want to go out and buy a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle if you expect gas prices to stay high for only a short period. The benefits of switching thus depend, in part, on how long high gas prices will last. The longer you expect gas prices to remain high, the more it makes sense to consider investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The same point applies to electric cars.
On the note of electric cars, while you can avoid high gas prices by investing in one, you must pay for electricity. Energy prices often move together, so electricity prices may also increase when gas prices increase. In addition, there are other costs associated with owning an electric vehicle that can offset the benefits of switching from a gas-powered car, such as higher insurance costs. For these reasons, do your homework before switching to an electric vehicle.
Are there specific budgeting techniques or financial tools that can help individuals amid unpredictable gas prices?
My advice would be to track how your spending on gas has fluctuated historically with changes in gas prices. From there, you can calculate your average weekly or monthly expenditure on gas. Whenever you spend less on gas than average, put the difference in a money market mutual fund or some other interest-bearing account. Then, use that money to help pay for gas whenever gas prices rise.
How should individuals adjust their travel or commuting habits to manage the financial impact of higher gas prices?
The answer depends on how long higher gas prices continue. Changing your travel or commuting habits is probably not worth it if you expect higher prices to last a few weeks. On the other hand, if you expect gas prices to remain elevated for the foreseeable future, looking at ways to change your behavior may make sense. For example, consider moving closer to your job or finding a job closer to your home. Or, look for jobs that permit you to work from home, either part-time or full-time.
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed AAA data on average regular gas prices in states and metros. Prices are as of March 18, 2025, and are compared to those on March 18, 2024.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data was used to calculate average historical prices of regular gas per gallon.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.