Gas Prices Rise Again—See What Your State Is Paying Now

Key Takeaways

• The national average gas price rose another 4 cents to $3.58 Wednesday, as oil prices resumed their climb amid the Iran conflict.
• Pump prices have jumped 60 cents per gallon since the end of February.
• Every state now has an average above $3 per gallon, and six states are above $4, with Arizona joining that list today.

Gas Prices Have Jumped 60 Cents in 11 Days

Oil prices resumed their climb Wednesday after a one-day pullback, extending a rally that began with the escalating Iran conflict. That renewed strength in crude is continuing to filter through to drivers.

The national average for regular gas rose 4 cents overnight to $3.58 per gallon, according to AAA, bringing the increase this month to 60 cents. The average had held below $3 for 13 straight weeks before this recent run-up—the first stretch in $2 territory since 2021.

Gasoline prices don’t move in real time with crude oil, meaning rapid increases in energy markets can continue filtering through to drivers for days or weeks.

Why This Matters

Gas prices don’t fall as quickly as oil, so relief at the pump may take time even if crude prices drop. Still, what you’ll pay depends heavily on your state—and the gap can be more than $2 per gallon.

Gas Prices Are Now Above $3 in Every State, With 6 States Over $4

Gas prices vary sharply depending on where you live. While the average has surged everywhere, state-level prices span a wide range across the country.

Drivers in Kansas are still seeing the cheapest price at the pump, according to AAA, with the next cheapest states being Oklahoma, North Dakota, Missouri, and Arkansas. As of March 11, every state’s average price per gallon is above $3 per gallon.

At the high end, six states now average more than $4 per gallon: California, Washington, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon, with Arizona joining the list today. California remains the most expensive market in the nation, with drivers paying an average of $5.34 per gallon.

The result is a spread of $2.33 per gallon between the cheapest and most expensive states.

The Last Time Gas Hit $5

The national average briefly topped $5 per gallon in June 2022. Amid this week’s surge, California’s average is now above that mark—though most states still have averages in the $3 range.

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Why Gas Prices Vary So Widely by State

The wide differences in state gas prices aren’t random. They reflect structural factors that shape how fuel is taxed, produced, and delivered across the country.

Fuel taxes are one of the biggest drivers of variation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, federal and state taxes accounted for more than 14% of the average price per gallon in 2023. Because some states levy significantly higher gasoline taxes and fees than others, those differences show up directly at the pump.

Geography and infrastructure also matter. States that are closer to major refineries or pipeline networks often benefit from lower transportation costs, while more isolated markets can face supply constraints that push prices higher.

In some cases, environmental rules play a role. California, for example, requires a cleaner-burning gasoline blend that relatively few refineries produce, contributing to its persistently higher prices.

When oil prices rise sharply, those built-in cost differences can amplify the impact in already expensive states. And even when crude pulls back, those underlying factors don’t disappear—helping explain why the gap between states can remain wide.

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