Summer passes, yet gas prices maintain their steady increase
In the summer of 2025, U.S. gas prices are experiencing a slight decline compared to last year, offering some relief at the pump. The national average for a gallon of regular gas currently stands at $3.14, down approximately 8.8% from $3.44 per gallon a year ago [1][4].
Compared to 2024, the average gas price has dropped further, from around $3.30 per gallon. This is a significant decrease from the highs of 2022, where the average price was $3.95 per gallon [1].
Regionally, prices vary significantly. The highest prices are found in California ($4.50), Hawaii ($4.46), and Washington ($4.41), while the lowest prices can be found in Mississippi ($2.69), Oklahoma ($2.72), and Texas ($2.75) [1]. Some states, such as Washington and Oregon, have seen price increases compared to last year, while others, like Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Ohio, have experienced sharp declines [1].
Weekly price fluctuations in August 2025 show minor regional shifts. Gas prices have decreased notably in the Gulf Coast and Midwest regions, while slightly rising on the West Coast, excluding California, and edging up in Rocky Mountain states [2][4]. Diesel prices, on the other hand, continue to remain higher and are rising [2].
The average price of crude oil is around $65 per barrel, and crude oil inventories are about 9% below the five-year seasonal average. Despite the increase in gasoline demand and the modest decline in crude oil inventories, gas prices have not spiked [1][2].
Gasoline supply in the U.S. is ample, with production averaging 9.4 million barrels per day. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the calmest fuel-wise in recent memory, with pump prices remaining flat and no major oil shocks on the horizon [1][4][5].
For those planning road trips, the AAA TripTik Travel planner is a useful tool for identifying current gas and electric vehicle charging prices along any route [6]. It's worth noting that West Virginia has the highest average charging rate for electric vehicles at 52 cents/kWh, while Kansas offers the most affordable rate at 25 cents/kWh [6].
In conclusion, while regional variations exist, the overall trend in U.S. gas prices in summer 2025 remains relatively moderate, with prices lower than the previous two years, stable around $3.14 per gallon nationally, and typical regional variations and slight recent declines as the summer progresses [1][4][5].
References:
[1] AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report (2025) [2] U.S. Energy Information Administration (2025) [3] U.S. Crude Oil Inventories (2025) [4] GasBuddy (2025) [5] Oil Price Information Service (2025) [6] AAA TripTik Travel Planner (2025)
Despite the calm fuel situation, the weather conditions during summer road trips might affect sports events, such as outdoor baseball games or marathons, encouraging spectators to plan their travel accordingly. Travelers can adjust their schedules to avoid high heat or rain for a better outdoor sports experience.
