(March 1, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC — Drivers saw gas prices creep up the final week of February. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.31 on this leap day, 4 cents higher than it was one week ago. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for Spring Break.

“We’re entering Spring Break season, and historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises,” said Aixa Diaz, AAA spokesperson. “With milder temperatures come more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased from 8.2 to 8.47 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks declined by 2.8 million barrels to 244.2 million barrels. Growing demand amid tighter supply has contributed to the increase in pump prices.

Today’s national average of $3.31 is 21 cents higher than a month ago and 4 cents less than a year ago, when the national average was $3.35.

Quick Stats

    •    Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest changes in their averages: Oregon (+22 cents), Wisconsin (+17 cents), Washington (+16 cents), Michigan (+14 cents), Illinois (+13 cents), Indiana (+13 cents), Minnesota (+11 cents), California (+11 cents), Ohio (−11 cents) and Idaho (+10 cents).

    •    The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($4.74), Hawaii ($4.70), Washington ($4.08), Nevada ($3.98), Oregon ($3.82), Illinois ($3.64), Alaska ($3.55), Pennsylvania ($3.49), Washington, DC ($3.42) and Arizona ($3.41).