(September 15, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas rose by a nickel since last week to hit $3.85. The primary culprit is the surge in oil costs, which have jumped several dollars to hover around $90 per barrel.

“Oil costs are putting upward pressure on pump prices, but the rise is tempered by much lower demand,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “The slide in people fueling up is typical, with schools back in session, the days getting shorter, and the weather less pleasant. But the usual decline in pump prices is being stymied for now by these high oil costs.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased significantly from 9.32 to 8.31 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks jumped from 214.7 to 220.3 million barrels. Although gas demand has dropped amid increasing stocks, elevated oil prices have pushed pump prices higher.

Today’s national average of $3.85 is the same as a month ago but 15 cents more than a year ago.

Quick Stats

    •    Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest increases in their averages: Minnesota (+32 cents), North Dakota (+31 cents), Iowa (+29 cents), Nebraska (+27 cents), Oklahoma (+27 cents), South Dakota (+22 cents), Montana (+20 cents), Arizona (+17 cents), Missouri (+17 cents) and Kansas (+16 cents).
       
    •    The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($5.50), Washington ($5.05), Hawaii ($4.79), Nevada ($4.73), Oregon ($4.70), Alaska ($4.60), Arizona ($4.51), Utah ($4.32), Montana ($4.20) and Idaho ($4.15).