Sunday, May 11, 2025
US travel is becoming more budget-friendly as national gas prices continue to decline ahead of the summer season, offering relief to road trippers and daily commuters alike. According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline has dropped to $3.15—nearly fifty cents lower than this time last year—thanks to decreased seasonal demand and an expected increase in oil production by OPEC+ starting in June. However, travelers heading to states like California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska should prepare for higher fuel costs, as these regions remain among the most expensive gas markets in the country. Meanwhile, electric vehicle drivers enjoy consistent savings, with public EV charging rates holding steady at thirty-four cents per kilowatt-hour nationwide, adding stability to travel costs across the US.
US Gas Prices Slide as Summer Approaches While EV Charging Costs Remain Flat
As the US transitions from spring into the early summer months, the nation is seeing a modest but steady drop in gasoline prices, providing some relief for drivers ahead of the peak travel season. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dipped by three cents, settling at $3.15. This decline is largely attributed to a slowdown in demand and an anticipated increase in global oil production.
On the global front, OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-producing countries, recently announced plans to ramp up output in June. This move is expected to expand the existing supply surplus, potentially pushing crude oil prices even lower. For American drivers, this translates into continued downward pressure on gas prices as the country heads into summer.
US Fuel Prices Trending Lower Year-on-Year
Compared to the same period last year, gas prices in the US are significantly more affordable. The current national average is nearly forty-nine cents cheaper than it was in 2024. Despite seasonal transitions that typically trigger price hikes, such as the shift to summer-blend gasoline and increased spring travel, this year’s economic uncertainties have helped suppress overall demand.
Earlier this month, the national average inched up to $3.18 per gallon—just one cent higher than the week before. Even with minor fluctuations, prices remain well below those seen in previous years. AAA noted that the national average is now approximately fifty cents lower than last spring and remains consistently beneath 2022, 2023, and 2024 levels.
The price of crude oil is also playing a critical role. Currently, it sits at approximately $62 per barrel—down from $82 a year ago. This sharp decline has been a major contributor to the easing of gas prices across the United States.
Breakdown of Gasoline Prices Across the US
Gas prices continue to vary significantly by state, largely due to differences in taxes, refinery access, and local fuel regulations. The ten most expensive gasoline markets in the US are:
- California – $4.92
- Hawaii – $4.52
- Washington – $4.38
- Oregon – $4.00
- Nevada – $3.97
- Alaska – $3.65
- Illinois – $3.46
- Arizona – $3.39
- Pennsylvania – $3.38
- Idaho – $3.35
Conversely, the ten states with the least expensive gas are predominantly located in the South and Midwest:
- Mississippi – $2.73
- Tennessee – $2.75
- Oklahoma – $2.77
- Louisiana – $2.81
- South Carolina – $2.81
- Texas – $2.82
- Kentucky – $2.84
- Alabama – $2.84
- Arkansas – $2.84
- Kansas – $2.87
These disparities underscore how localized economic factors and infrastructure affect fuel prices within the broader US market.
US EV Charging Costs Hold Steady
While gasoline prices across the US experience modest shifts, electric vehicle (EV) owners are benefiting from greater stability. The average cost per kilowatt-hour at public EV charging stations has remained unchanged at thirty-four cents for several consecutive weeks.
This flat rate is particularly beneficial as EV adoption continues to rise across the US. Unlike traditional fuel, EV charging costs are not as susceptible to global oil supply fluctuations, offering consistent savings for EV drivers even during peak travel seasons.
Domestic Supply and Production Insights
Despite a recent decline in total US gasoline inventories—from 236 million barrels to 234 million—production has remained strong. US refineries are producing around 9.4 million barrels per day, helping to maintain supply even as demand rises slowly ahead of summer.
AAA notes that while seasonal transitions such as refinery maintenance and the rollout of summer-grade fuel often drive prices upward, the increased global oil supply and economic hesitations are counterbalancing those effects. Consequently, US travelers may enjoy relatively affordable prices at the pump in the months ahead.
Summer Outlook for US Drivers
The Spring Break season brought minor spikes in fuel prices, with some weeks seeing increases of over ten cents per gallon. Most recently, the national average touched $3.26—the highest since September 2024. Still, AAA emphasizes that this figure is around twenty-eight cents lower than where prices stood a year ago.
Travelers in the US can remain optimistic about the cost of road trips this summer. With crude oil prices trending downward and domestic production stable, gas prices are unlikely to see significant surges. Additionally, the consistency in EV charging rates continues to position electric vehicles as a cost-effective alternative for those looking to manage travel expenses.
The overall fuel landscape in the US is currently favorable for consumers. Gasoline prices have declined due to reduced demand and expanding global oil production, while EV drivers are benefiting from stable electricity rates. With the average cost per gallon sitting well below last year’s levels and electricity holding firm at thirty-four cents per kilowatt-hour, American motorists can anticipate a summer of more affordable travel.
US travel is getting more affordable as national gas prices drop ahead of summer, driven by low demand and rising global oil supply. However, states like California, Hawaii, and Alaska still lead with the highest fuel costs, while EV charging rates remain steady nationwide.
As long as oil markets remain stable and OPEC+ follows through on its production increases, US fuel prices may stay suppressed through much of the summer, delivering welcome financial relief for households across the country.
