National fuel average climbs 5-cents since last week

AAA

WASHINGTON, DC (September 24, 2026) – The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline continues to climb, up nearly 5 cents from last week.

National fuel price averages, Sept. 24, 2026 (Courtesy AAA)

At $4.48 per gallon, this is the highest the national average has ever been for this time of year. Typically, the start of autumn brings lower gas prices, but lingering volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and the high cost of crude oil are driving up pump prices.

State fuel price averages, Sept. 24, 2026 (Courtesy AAA)

This month is on track to set a new September record. So far, the average for this month is $4.30, higher than the previous September record of $3.83 set in 2023.

Area fuel price averages. Sept. 24, 2026 (Courtesy AAA)

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 8.79 million barrels per day to 8.84 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 207.7 million barrels to 206 million. Gasoline production decreased slightly from 9.64 million barrels to 9.59 million.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.64 to settle at $92.16 per barrel. The EIA reports that U.S. crude oil inventories increased 3 million barrels to 426.4 million barrels, 2% above the five-year average.