Gas prices in the United States remain the highest they have ever been for this time of year. In the 8 October 2026 weekly update, the national average for regular fell 5 cents in a week to $4.36 a gallon, yet pump prices are still at record highs for autumn. This is also the first year the national average has been above $4 a gallon in October.
The numbers at a glance
| Measure | Figure | Date |
|---|---|---|
| National average, regular | $4.36 a gallon (down 5 cents in a week) | 8 Oct (weekly update) |
| National average, regular | $4.367 | As of 10 Oct |
| Same day a year ago | $3.101 | As of 10 Oct |
| National average, diesel | $6.282 | As of 10 Oct |
| Public EV charging | 41 cents per kWh (down one cent) | 8 Oct (weekly update) |
Put simply, regular is about $1.27 a gallon dearer than a year ago. Filling a 15-gallon tank at $4.36 costs about $65.40.
Why prices are still so high
Crude oil is the main driver. After dipping into the $80 a barrel range for several days, crude is back above $90. Hurricane Isaias is also a risk to prices if oil production and refineries in the region are affected.
Diesel is under even more pressure. The all-time high for diesel was set this year, at $6.528 on 22 September 2026. Regular is still below its all-time record of $5.017 from 14 June 2022, but it is the highest ever for the season.
Big gaps between states
Where you live makes a big difference. On 10 October, California had the highest average at $6.315 a gallon, while Georgia was the lowest at $3.820. Hawaii was also above $5.60. Check current state-level prices on our US fuel prices tool.
What about EV charging?
The average cost of electricity at a public EV charging station was 41 cents per kWh in the weekly update, down one cent. The daily US average for public charging was $0.419 per kWh on 10 October. That average covers Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast chargers, so your own cost will depend heavily on where and how you charge. Home charging on a residential tariff is often a different picture, so compare with your own electricity bill rather than the public average.
What drivers can do
| 1 | Compare prices before you fill up; state and local gaps can be large. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Combine short trips and keep tyres at the correct pressure to cut fuel use. |
| 3 | If you are shopping for a car, compare running costs per mile for gas, hybrid and electric options using your real mileage. |
| 4 | For EV owners, check whether home or workplace charging is cheaper than public chargers. |
Bottom line
A 5-cent weekly drop is welcome, but at $4.36 a gallon, US gas is at record levels for autumn, and diesel is near its all-time high. With crude back above $90 and hurricane risk in the mix, there is little sign of quick relief for drivers. Track daily prices on the CarVoltX US fuel prices tool and follow the CarVoltX blog for updates.
