Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

August 2024 Fuel Price Update: All Regions Continue Downward Trend

See why one analyst believes prices are dropping. Plus, whether activity in the Atlantic could have an impact.

August 27, 2024
A chart with EIA data shows a drop in U.S. gas prices, after a brief decline. Next to it, a chart breaks down gas prices by region, with prices dropping everywhere.

Over the last week, all regions saw a decline in gas prices. The Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions saw the largest drop, decreasing 11 cents. 

Photo: EIA/Automotive Fleet

7 min to read


The nation's average price of gasoline continues to decline for the fourth week in a row. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, the national price for a gallon of gas has dipped to $3.31, which is seven cents less than last week. 

The national average is down 20.7 cents from a month ago and is about 50 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to EIA data. 

Ad Loading...

"It seems fitting that, in the run-up to Labor Day, the national average has fallen for four straight weeks to its lowest point since February," GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan said.

De Haan noted that according to GasBuddy data, nearly 20% of gas stations in the country are selling gasoline at $2.99 or lower. These numbers will continue to look better every week, De Haan continued, especially as we move into fall.

Diesel prices are the lowest they've been since January 2022. Check out Work Truck to see which region has the lowest prices.

U.S. Regional Gasoline Prices as of August 26, 2024

Here's a look at prices by region according to EIA data, as of Aug. 26:

  • East Coast: $3.25

  • Midwest: $3.20

  • Gulf Coast: $2.89

  • Rocky Mountain: $3.35

  • West Coast: $4.05

Ad Loading...

Every region saw a decrease in gas prices. The Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions saw the greatest decrease week-over-week, with prices decreasing by eleven cents. The Gulf Coast followed closely with a 10-cent decrease.

Here's a look at how the prices break down in the top 10 cheapest states for gas right now, according to AAA data as of Aug. 26:

Rank

State

Regular

1

Oklahoma

$2.89

2

Mississippi

$2.89

3

Texas

$2.94

4

Tennessee

$2.95

5

South Carolina

$2.97

6

Louisiana

$2.97

7

Alabama

$2.98

8

Arkansas

$3.02

9

Missouri

$3.05

10

Kansas

$3.06

Last week, only two states were recorded with prices under $3 per gallon, but this week shows seven states with prices below that benchmark. If prices continue to decline, more states will join them, with Arkansas ($3.02) seeing only a 4-cent difference from Alabama ($2.98).

U.S. Regional Gasoline Prices as of August 19, 2024

A chart with EIA data shows a drop in U.S. gas prices, after a brief decline. Next to it, a chart breaks down gas prices by region, with prices dropping everywhere except the Rocky Mountain region.

Over the last week, all regions saw a small decline in gas prices except for the Rocky Mountain region. The Midwest saw the largest drop, decreasing 7 cents. 

Photo: EIA/Automotive Fleet

For the third straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline has declined. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, the national price for a gallon of gas has dropped to $3.38, which is three cents less than last week.

The national average is down 11 cents from a month ago and is 48 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to EIA.

Ad Loading...

"Gasoline and diesel prices continue to trail off across much of the country as summer demand fades away. Lower demand in other oil-consuming nations is also helping to lead the downward pressure on pump prices as we approach Labor Day," De Haan said. "With little new action in the Middle East to rile up prices and Hurricane Ernesto remaining far out at sea, it looks like the downward trend could continue into the week ahead."

As more schools begin to resume, gasoline demand will likely continue to ease, De Haan continued, along with the temperatures cooling off.

Here's a look at prices by region according to EIA data, as of Aug. 19:

  • East Coast: $3.29

  • Midwest: $3.32

  • Gulf Coast: $2.99

  • Rocky Mountain: $3.47

  • West Coast: $4.05

Almost every region saw a slight dip in gas prices except the Rocky Mountain region. The Midwest region saw the greatest decrease week-over-week, with prices decreasing by seven cents.

Ad Loading...

Here's a look at how the prices break down in the top 10 cheapest states for gas right now, according to AAA data as of Aug. 19:

Rank

State

Regular

1

Mississippi

$2.94

2

Oklahoma

$2.99

3

Tennessee

$3.01

4

Texas

$3.02

5

Louisiana

$3.03

6

South Carolina

$3.05

7

Alabama

$3.05

8

Arkansas

$3.08

9

Kansas

$3.11

10

Missouri

$3.12

Due to the nationwide dip, Oklahoma has joined Mississippi as the only two states with an average gas price of under $3 per gallon. The previous 9-cent gap between the states with prices above and below $3 is closing, with Tennessee ($3.01) seeing only a 2-cent difference from Oklahoma ($2.99).

U.S. Regional Gasoline Prices as of August 12, 2024

A chart with EIA data shows a drop in U.S. gas prices, after a brief decline. Next to it, a chart breaks down gas prices by region, with prices dropping everywhere.

Over the last week, all regions saw a small decline in gas prices. The East Coast saw the largest drop, dipping 5 cents.

Photo: EIA/Automotive Fleet

In the second week of August, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. continues to dip ever so slightly across the country. According to EIA data, the national price for a gallon of gasoline is down three cents this week, at $3.41.

Though the national average is down 11.6 cents from a month ago, it is down 42.5 cents per gallon compared to a year ago, according to GasBuddy.

"As summer driving season comes to a gradual close, we continue to see gasoline prices declining in most of the country as demand remains muted," De Haan said. "As long as we can avoid a major hurricane threatening refineries in the Gulf region, I believe we could see declines continue into this week, with the national average potentially dipping to its lowest level of the summer."

Ad Loading...

While some states may also see gas prices rise to routine price cycling, primarily in the Great Lakes and Florida, De Haan continued, prices across the board remain lower in every state compared to a year ago.

The looming hurricane season could affect future prices, though, if activity off the coast of the Atlantic picks up.

Diesel prices are the lowest they've been since January 2022. Check out Work Truck to see which region has the lowest prices.

Here's a look at prices by region according to EIA data, as of Aug. 12:

  • East Coast: $3.32

  • Midwest: $3.39

  • Gulf Coast: $2.99

  • Rocky Mountain: $3.41

  • West Coast: $4.07

Ad Loading...

Overall, every region saw a slight decrease in gas prices. The East Coast region saw the greatest decrease week-over-week, with prices dipping 5 cents.

Here's a look at how the prices break down in the top 10 cheapest states for gas right now, according to AAA data as of Aug. 12:

Rank

State

Regular

1

Mississippi

$2.95

2

Oklahoma

$3.03

3

Louisiana

$3.04

4

Texas

$3.04

5

Tennessee

$3.05

6

South Carolina

$3.07

7

Arkansas

$3.07

8

Alabama

$3.08

9

Kansas

$3.14

10

Missouri

$3.15

Despite the nationwide dip, Mississippi maintains its under $3 per gallon price, with nearly a 8-cent difference between it and the second cheapest state for gasoline.

U.S. Regional Gasoline Prices as of August 6, 2024

A chart with EIA data shows a drop in U.S. gas prices, after a brief decline. Next to it, a chart breaks down gas prices by region, with prices dropping everywhere except the Rocky Mountain region.

Over the last week, prices rose only in the Rocky Mountain region. The Gulf Coast saw the greatest drop in prices, sinking 8 cents.

Photo: EIA/Automotive Fleet

To kick off August, prices at the pump are down in most of the country. The national average price of gasoline dropped 4 cents in the last week to $3.44, according to the EIA. Prices year-over-year are down 38 cents.

This week's drop is the byproduct of a jobs report, a GasBuddy analyst believes.

Ad Loading...

“With oil prices plummeting due to new concerns over the U.S. economy after a poor jobs report, gasoline prices have seen downside in many states, with potential for more to join that trend this week as previous refinery disruptions in the Great Lakes region fade away and the restart process begins,” De Haan said.

While all eyes in the Southeast are on Tropical Storm Debby, De Haan said the storm poses low risk to refineries or refined product pipelines, so it's not a major concern. He said he expects gasoline prices in most states to gently decline in the week ahead, with rising tensions in the Middle East being a wildcard.

Diesel prices are down across the board. Check out Work Truck to see which region has the lowest prices.

Here's a look at how prices break down by region according to EIA data, as of August 6:

  • East Coast: $3.37

  • Midwest: $3.47

  • Gulf Coast: $3.01

  • Rocky Mountain: $3.43

  • West Coast: $4.08

Ad Loading...

Over the last week, prices rose only in the Rocky Mountain region. The Gulf Coast saw the greatest drop in prices, sinking 8 cents.

Here's a list of the 10 lowest average prices per gallon, according to AAA data as of August 6:

Rank

State

Regular

1

Mississippi

$2.95

2

Louisiana

$3.04

3

Texas

$3.05

4

Oklahoma

$3.05

5

Arkansas

$3.06

6

Tennessee

$3.07

7

Alabama

$3.08

8

South Carolina

$3.12

9

Kansas

$3.17

10

Missouri

$3.17

Mississippi maintains its under $3 per gallon price, with nearly a 9-cent difference between it and the second cheapest state for gasoline.

More Fuel

Graphic showing U.S. gas prices April 2026 with line chart near $4.04 per gallon and regional bars: West Coast highest at $5.41, others around $3.68–$4.02, indicating rising fuel costs.
Fuelby Faith HowellApril 29, 2026

April Fuel Update: Prices Climb Above $4 as Spring Surge Accelerates

National average jumps to $4.04 per gallon, up sharply from last year, with West Coast prices topping $5 and further increases expected amid rising oil tensions.

Read More →
Graphic reading “Fuel-Saving Strategies” with fuel pump and droplet icons, representing fleet management tips on policy, in-network fueling, and maintenance to reduce fuel costs.
Fuelby Faith HowellApril 27, 2026

Tips from Fleet Managers on Saving Fuel Costs

Fleet leaders share practical strategies to reduce fuel spend through smarter policy, routing, and driver guidance.

Read More →
Graphic showing U.S. average gas prices for March 2026 with a line chart and regional breakdown, highlighting rising prices and highest costs on the West Coast above $5 per gallon.
Fuelby Faith HowellMarch 31, 2026

March Fuel Update: Prices Settle With a $4 Average

Fuel prices significantly slowed this week, but a $4 national average is still expected.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two men seated at a table during an interview about fleet fuel strategy, with on-screen text reading “AWP Safety Bob Adamski Senior Director of Fleet.”
Fuelby Chris BrownMarch 20, 2026

Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: “Don’t Panic — Have a Plan”

With oil prices rising again, AWP Safety’s fleet manager shares how to respond to rising fuel costs and how the right strategy can turn fuel spikes into cost-saving opportunities.

Read More →
gas pump dispensing money on Middle East map
Fuelby Chris BrownMarch 13, 2026

Oil Market Turbulence Is Complicating Fleet Cost Planning

Rapid swings in crude oil prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East could create longer-term cost pressures for fleets, affecting fuel prices, supply chains, and vehicle strategy, says NTEA’s Andrew Wrobel.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A chart with EIA data shows an increase in U.S gas prices. Next to it, a chart breaks down the prices by region.
Fuelby Faith HowellFebruary 25, 2026

February Fuel Update: Prices Inch Higher for Third Week in a Row

The final February fuel update reveals prices continuing to inch higher for the third week in a row.

Read More →
A blue background has two fuel pumps overlaying it with text on the left side.
Fuelby Faith HowellFebruary 10, 2026

The 2026 Fuel Economy Guide: Updated Cost and Efficiency Benchmarks for Fleets

Fleet managers can use the DOE’s 2026 Fuel Economy Guide to benchmark MPG across powertrain types using side-by-side vehicle ratings and compare new model-year options.

Read More →
A chart with EIA data shows an increase in U.S gas prices. Next to it, a chart breaks down the prices by region.
Fuelby Faith HowellJanuary 28, 2026

January Fuel Update: Prices Hit Highest Level Since Summer

The national average for fuel prices has officially risen to its highest point since the summer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A chart with EIA data shows a decrease in U.S gas prices. Next to it, a chart breaks down the prices by region.
Fuelby Faith HowellDecember 23, 2025

Christmas Comes Early at the Pump: Gas Averages $2.79 Nationwide

The nation's fuel price average continues to decline, with current Christmas numbers the lowest since 2020.

Read More →