:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screenshot2026-03-13at10.28.43AM-843474f652c9421a9171e58a24e0eb93.png "Gas Prices Climb Again—See What Your State Is Paying")
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Key Takeaways
- The national average gas price rose another 3 cents to $3.63 Friday, as oil prices continue edging higher amid the Iran war.
- Pump prices have jumped 65 cents per gallon since the end of February.
- Even the cheapest states now average above $3 per gallon, while drivers in six states are paying more than $4.
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Gas Prices Have Jumped 65 Cents in Under Two Weeks
Oil prices are extending their surge that began at the start of March, triggered by the Iran conflict. That escalating price for crude is continuing to filter through to drivers across the country.
The national average for regular gas rose another 3 cents overnight to $3.63 per gallon, according to AAA, bringing the increase this month to 65 cents. Before this run-up, the average had held below $3 for 13 straight weeks—the first time in $2 territory since 2021.
Since gasoline prices don’t move in lockstep with crude oil prices, rapid increases in energy markets can continue filtering through to drivers for days or weeks.
Why This Matters
Oil’s renewed climb suggests relief at the pump may not come soon. With average prices in every state now above $3, drivers should prepare for higher fill-up costs.
Gas Prices Are Above $3 in Every State, With Six 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 North Dakota, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Beginning March 11, every state’s price has averaged above $3 per gallon, with the price in Kansas increasing to $3.08 Friday.
At the high end, six states now average more than $4 per gallon: California, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. California remains the most expensive market in the nation, with drivers paying an average of $5.42 per gallon.
The result is a spread of $2.34 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 the current surge, California’s average is above that mark—though most states still have averages in the $3 range.
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.
