Gas prices can really make or break a road trip, and with summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to hunt for the best deals. I love hitting the open road—whether it’s a quick commute or a cross-country adventure—and saving a few bucks at the pump always feels like a win. So, let us to dig into where the cheapest gas in the US. It is hiding right now, what’s driving those prices, and some handy tips to keep my fuel costs low. This is all based on the latest info I could find, so let’s dive in and explore together!
Where to Fill Up for Less in 2025
If you’re looking to save on gas, head south! Right now, Mississippi has the lowest prices in the country at $2.67 per gallon, with Louisiana close behind at $2.72 and Alabama at $2.75. These numbers are a steal compared to the national average of $3.20, which I saw reported just a couple of days ago. Earlier this year, Oklahoma dropped to $2.57, and some spots in Texas were even better, ranging from $2.19 to $2.33. Meanwhile, places like California are charging a hefty $4.87 per gallon, which is a big shock when I fill up there!
I was thrilled to spot those southern bargains. Last summer, pumping gas in California felt like a hit to my wallet, but driving through Mississippi was a pleasant surprise—those lower prices made my trip so much more enjoyable. If I’m planning a drive, those states are definitely on my radar now.
Why Some States Have Cheaper Gas
So, what’s behind these price differences? I’ve figured out it’s a mix of a few things. Taxes play a huge role—Mississippi only tacks on 18.4 cents per gallon, while California’s tax is over 50 cents, which really adds up! States like Louisiana and Texas also get a boost from being near Gulf Coast refineries, cutting down on the cost of getting gas to the pumps. I noticed a 6-cent drop in that region just last week, which shows how much location matters. On the other hand, states like Hawaii, where gas is $4.49, or New York at $3.67 in some areas, have to deal with higher taxes and being farther from refineries.
It’s kind of wild to think about how where I live changes what I pay. I read up a bit, and it makes sense economically—being close to refineries and having lower taxes means cheaper gas, which is why those southern states stand out.
How Gas Prices Have Been Trending This Year
The good news is that gas prices this year have been trending down overall. I saw that the national average hit $3.19 just a little while back, down 11.5% from $3.61 a year ago. The lowest price this year was $3.08 back in January, and the highest was $3.17 in April, settling at $3.20 recently. That drop comes from more oil being pumped worldwide and less demand since the pandemic eased up. I heard from some experts that oil prices are expected to average $74 per barrel this year, down from $80 last year, which is keeping things affordable. But there are still little bumps—like a $0.08 increase in New Jersey last week—that show prices can shift fast.
It’s such a relief to see prices lower than the $5 a gallon days a couple of years ago. Knowing Mississippi and Louisiana are under $2.75 makes me feel better about planning my next trip.
A Quick Look at the Bigger Picture
Gas prices have had some crazy ups and downs over the years. I remember back in 2012, they hit an inflation-adjusted $4.94 per gallon, and in 2020, they dropped to $1.84 because of the pandemic. Last year, the US used about 137 billion gallons of gas, which tells me people are back to driving a lot. Electric vehicles are starting to pop up more—California has 18,491 charging stations, while Vermont only has one for every 1,346 people. That gap shows we’re in a mix of gas and EV times, and cheap gas in places like Mississippi is a big help for folks like me still using regular cars.
It’s fun to think about how things have shifted. Those high prices a few years ago made every fill-up stressful, but now there’s a bit more room to breathe, especially down south.
Tips to Save Money on Gas
Saving on gas doesn’t have to be hard—here are some tricks I’ve picked up that really work. I’ve started using GasBuddy, and it’s helped me save up to 25 cents per gallon with their rewards program, which feels like free money! Filling up early in the morning or late at night often gets me lower prices, something I learned from chatting with local drivers. I also joined Kroger’s program, where I earn 1 point per dollar spent for up to $1 off per gallon, which is a nice perk. It’s smart to skip busy travel times—prices jumped to $3.67 on May 2 during Memorial Day weekend. And I’ve been checking my tire pressure, which boosts my gas mileage by 3%, a little habit that adds up.
For anyone thinking about EVs, I heard Texas saves about $1,235 a year compared to gas cars, though charging costs depend on where you are. These tips turned my last road trip into a money-saving adventure, and I’m excited to use them again.
What Might Affect Prices Down the Road
Looking ahead, experts think gas prices will stay around $3.20 for the year, but summer travel and refinery maintenance could nudge them up a bit. There’s also talk of tariffs on Canadian energy imports, which might add 15 cents per gallon if they happen. On the bright side, more oil from OPEC and a stronger US dollar are helping keep prices down for now. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but knowing where the deals are—like in Mississippi—makes planning easier.
I always get a little nervous about prices going up, especially in the summer. But with these trends, I’m hopeful the savings in certain states will stick around for my next drive.
Wrapping It Up
As of right now, the cheapest gas in the US is in Mississippi at $2.67 per gallon, with Louisiana at $2.72 and Alabama at $2.75, all well below the national average of $3.20. These low prices come from lower taxes, being near refineries, and global trends like more oil production. Prices have been dropping this year, which is a welcome change, though summer might bring some increases. By using apps, timing my fill-ups, and keeping my car in good shape, I can make the most of these deals and hit the road without breaking the bank. Here’s to more adventures and fewer worries at the pump!
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