Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

U.S. Average Gasoline Surpasses $3.50 for the First Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the fourth consecutive week, the U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline moved higher, setting yet another all-time record of 350.8 cents per gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

by Staff
April 24, 2008
2 min to read


WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the fourth consecutive week, the U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline moved higher, setting yet another all-time record of 350.8 cents per gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The price shot up by 11.9 cents from last week, an increase more than double the increase of the previous week. On a regional basis, prices increased throughout the country with the largest increases occurring in the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and the Midwest.

The average price on the East Coast surged, going up by 14.9 cents to 348.4 cents per gallon, 64.9 cents higher than at the same time last year. The price in the Midwest increased by 11.2 cents to 347 cents per gallon, up by 69.5 cents from a year earlier. The average price in the Gulf Coast shot up by 12.6 cents to 341.1 cents per gallon but still remained the lowest price of any region. The average price in the Rocky Mountains increased to 341.6 cents per gallon, up 9.2 cents from the previous week. The West Coast average price increased the least of any region, moving up by 7.2 cents to 373.4 cents per gallon, 51.6 cents higher than a year ago. The average price in California also increased by 7.2 cents to hit 384.6 cents per gallon.

Ad Loading...

Once again, the U.S. average diesel price increased to a new record high last week, although the weekly gain was somewhat lower compared with the robust pace reported in the prior week. The U.S. average price increased to 414.3 cents per gallon, up by 8.4 cents compared to the 10.4 cent increase of the previous week. Prices increased in all regions of the country albeit at a slightly slower pace than the previous week. The average price for the East Coast increased to 420.7 cents per gallon, going up by nine cents compared to the increase of 11.2 cents of the previous week.

In the Midwest, the price moved up 8.5 cents to 409.8 cents per gallon. The price in the Gulf Coast increased 7.7 cents to 407.7 cents per gallon and remained the lowest price of any region. The increase in the Rocky Mountain region of 7.2 cents was again the smallest increase of any region. The price there of 411.1 cents per gallon was 113.3 cents higher than a year earlier. On the West Coast, the average price went up by 7.9 cents to 425.5 cents per gallon, 130.2 cents higher than last year. The average price in California increased by 8.3 cents to 431.7 cents per gallon.

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 →