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May Fuel Update: Gas Prices Ease, But Relief May Be Short-Lived

After a brief pullback, GasBuddy warns rising oil prices and stalled Iran talks could send pump prices higher again in the days ahead.

May 5, 2026
Graphic showing U.S. average gasoline prices rising to $4.48 per gallon in May 2026, with regional prices highest on the West Coast at $5.61, according to EIA and GasBuddy data.

Gas prices are climbing nationwide, with the national average jumping to $4.48 per gallon as rising oil prices and refinery issues continue to pressure drivers across the country.

Credit:

Credit: Automotive Fleet / EIA

3 min to read


  • Fuel prices have increased nationwide, affecting all 50 states.
  • The average price surge is approximately 39 cents.
  • The rise in fuel costs contributes to economic concerns across the nation.

*Summarized by AI

U.S Regional Gasoline Prices as of May 11, 2026

According to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country, the national average for fuel has risen 38.2 cents over the last week and stands at $4.48 per gallon.

This is up 37.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and 1.40 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

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“Average gasoline prices declined in just six states over the last week, led by the Great Lakes region, where motorists in states like Michigan and Ohio saw prices fall sharply, while Indiana experienced even steeper relief after the state temporarily waived both its excise and use taxes on gasoline,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Those declines helped pull the national average lower by roughly eight cents over the last several days after oil prices eased mid-week on optimism that the U.S. and Iran could reach a deal. However, that optimism has since largely unraveled, with talks appearing to stall and President Trump signaling the latest proposal is unacceptable, helping push oil prices higher again in Sunday electronic trade. As a result, many states could see another round of price cycling in the days ahead, potentially sending the national average toward the $4.65-per-gallon mark if oil continues climbing. In addition, diesel prices across much of the Great Lakes region are nearing new record highs as ongoing refinery issues continue to disproportionately impact diesel production. Should geopolitical tensions escalate further, fuel prices could rise even more sharply in the weeks ahead.”

Here’s a look at prices by region according to EIA data, as of May 11:

  • East Coast: $4.34
  • Midwest: $4.41
  • Gulf Coast: $3.90
  • Rocky Mountain: $4.37
  • West Coast: $5.61

Here are the top 10 cheapest states to buy gas, according to AAA data:

Rank

State

Regular

1

Oklahoma

$3.98

2

Mississippi

$3.99

3

Louisiana

$3.99

4

Georgia

$4.00

5

Texas

$4.00

6

Arkansas

$4.03

7

Alabama

$4.06

8

Kansas

$4.07

9

Nebraska

$4.12

10

South Carolina

$4.13

All regions saw an increase in prices this week.

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U.S Regional Gasoline Prices as of May 5, 2026

A graphic showing U.S prices rising slightly across the nation using EIA data.
Credit:

Automotive Fleet / EIA

According to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country, the national average for fuel has risen 38.2 cents over the last week and stands at $4.42 per gallon.

This is up 38.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and 1.31 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

“Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “At the same time, diesel prices surged to new records in parts of the region, with some areas touching the $6-per-gallon mark. While refinery outages were a key driver behind those outsized increases, early signs of improvement could help ease some of the most extreme price pressures in the Great Lakes in the days ahead. Beyond the region, markets are also digesting a wave of new developments—including OPEC+ raising production for June and President Trump outlining a plan to free stranded ships—which could help restore some supply. However, with so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term.”

Here’s a look at prices by region according to EIA data, as of May 4:

  • East Coast: $4.25
  • Midwest: $4.40
  • Gulf Coast: $3.90
  • Rocky Mountain: $4.36
  • West Coast: $5.83
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Here are the top 10 cheapest states to buy gas, according to AAA data:


Rank

State

Regular

1

Oklahoma

$3.90

2

Georgia

$3.91

3

Mississippi

$3.92

4

Louisiana

$3.92

5

Arkansas

$3.96

6

Nebraska

$3.98

7

Texas

$3.98

8

Kansas

$3.99

9

Alabama

$4.00

10

Missouri

$4.05

All regions saw an increase in prices this week.


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