Sylvie Willis
The price of gas is a significant expense for most drivers, with the average American spending about $3,000 per year on gas. Gas prices vary across the US, with California having the highest prices at $4.74 per gallon, while Mississippi has the lowest at $2.68 per gallon. Gas prices have been steadily falling each year since 2022, and there are various ways for consumers to save money at the pump, such as rewards programs, buying gas on cheaper days like Mondays, and driving fuel-efficient cars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average price of gas per gallon in the US | $3.15 |
| Average amount spent on gas per year | $3,000 |
| Average amount spent on gas per month | $127.81 |
| Average amount spent on gas per transaction | $46.74 |
| Cheapest gas per gallon by state | Mississippi ($2.68), Texas ($2.74), Oklahoma ($2.75), Louisiana ($2.76), Kentucky ($2.79) |
| Most expensive gas per gallon by state | California ($4.74), Hawaii ($4.55), Washington ($4.07), Nevada ($3.81), Oregon ($3.71) |
| Cheapest days to buy gas | Monday |
| Most expensive days to buy gas | Friday and Saturday |
| Gas apps that offer rewards programs | GasBuddy, Exxon, Shell, Circle K, Kroger |
| Predicted average price of gas per gallon in 2025 | $3.20 |
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What You'll Learn
Gas prices vary across US states
Gas prices vary significantly across different US states, influenced by factors such as local taxes, refinery access, and supply disruptions. As of August 25, 2023, the average price of gas in the US was $3.15 per gallon, a decrease from the previous day and week. However, prices can differ widely depending on the state.
West Coast states, like California, typically experience the highest gas prices in the country. California and Hawaii top the list as the most expensive states for gasoline. On the other hand, southern and midwestern states often enjoy more affordable prices at the pump, with Mississippi and Texas offering the cheapest fill-ups.
Several factors contribute to the variation in gas prices across US states. Local taxes play a significant role, with states having different tax rates that impact the final price at the pump. Additionally, refinery access is crucial; states with closer proximity or better access to refineries may benefit from lower prices. Supply disruptions can also cause fluctuations in gas prices, affecting certain states more than others.
To manage fuel costs, drivers can utilize gas apps, which provide real-time price information and help locate the cheapest gas stations in their area. Popular apps for this purpose include GasBuddy, Waze, and Google Maps. GasBuddy, for example, offers a rewards program that can save users up to 25 cents per gallon. Additionally, enrolling in rewards programs offered by specific gasoline retailers can earn points and discounts on fuel purchases.
Other strategies to reduce fuel costs include proper vehicle maintenance and efficient driving habits. Ensuring tires are inflated to the correct levels can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, while using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by 1-2%. Driving shorter distances, carpooling, and opting for fuel-efficient vehicles can also significantly impact fuel costs.
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Rewards programs and apps
Exxon Mobil Rewards+
This is a generous program that allows you to earn points on everyday purchases like fuel, convenience store items, and car washes. For every 100 points earned, you get $1 in savings. You can earn 3 points per gallon on fuel and 2 points for every $1 spent in the convenience store or on car washes. New members receive a 500-point signup bonus ($5 in savings), and AARP members can earn additional points. You can also earn 6 points per gallon on premium fuel purchases. The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app makes earning points automatic, and you can securely pay at the pump from your car.
Shell Fuel Rewards
This loyalty program offers savings when you fill up at participating Shell stations. You can earn savings per gallon and stack rewards through dining, shopping, and rental car offers. Depending on your status, you can save up to 10 cents per gallon with every fill-up, and there are additional savings opportunities when you combine rewards from other purchases. The program also offers rewards on select Shell store items and exclusive deals on groceries.
Speedway Speedy Rewards
Speedway's Speedy Rewards program lets you earn points for every purchase made at Speedway gas stations or convenience stores. Points can be redeemed for free gas, merchandise, or food. Speedy Rewards members also have access to exclusive promotions, discounts, and bonus point offers, making it easier to accumulate rewards faster. You can choose how to redeem your points for maximum flexibility.
Circle K Inner Circle
The Inner Circle app offers cash back on gas and rewards on purchases inside Circle K convenience stores. After signing up, you can save 25 cents per gallon on your first five fill-ups and continue to earn fuel discounts on future purchases. You can earn points on in-store items, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items. Upgrading to a Premium membership by spending $500 will save you even more per gallon of gas.
BPme Rewards
This program offers a simple way to save on gas. You can download the app, register online, or use the BPme Rewards Visa Credit Card to earn discounts. With the credit card, you'll get a discount of 30 cents per gallon for 60 days, then 15 cents per gallon on BP fuel purchases. You can also use any accepted payment card and still get a discount of 5 cents per gallon.
Albertsons for U
While you won't earn points on fuel purchases, Albertsons for U lets you earn points on purchases at Albertsons and other participating stores, apps, and websites. You can redeem your points for grocery items or tiered basket discounts, or you can use them for gas at participating fuel stations at a rate of 100 points for 10 cents off per gallon.
Upside
Upside is a cashback app that focuses on gas and restaurants. It stands out because each offer is only available for a small window of time—you must use an offer within four hours of claiming it. Some discounts can be as high as 20 cents off per gallon of gas.
Grocery Store Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that partner with gas stations to offer discounts on gas when you accumulate points through your grocery purchases. For example, Kroger offers 10 cents off per gallon of gas for every $100 spent, up to a $1 discount for 1,000 points.
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Cheapest days to fill up
The price of gas is a major expense for most drivers, with the average American driver spending about $3,000 per year on gas. While there is no consistent pattern to when gas prices rise and fall, and prices can change daily, there is some evidence that certain days of the week are, on average, cheaper to fill up on than others.
According to a 2021 study by GasBuddy, Monday is the cheapest day to fill up, with Sunday being the second cheapest. The study also found that the first day of the work week offers the lowest average gas price in 17 states. This is because stations usually update their prices on Thursday evenings for the weekend, so filling up earlier in the week helps to avoid the rush periods when demand is highest.
However, it's important to note that there is variation in daily gas prices across different states, and some stations may be cheaper on other days of the week. For example, one source noted that their local station was cheaper on Wednesdays than at the weekend, while another mentioned that some stations offer discounts on Tuesdays. Additionally, some independent stations offer early-bird discounts for purchases made before certain times.
To find the cheapest gas in your area, it's recommended to use apps like PetrolPrices, Fuel Flash, or GasBuddy, which allow users to locate gas stations based on fuel prices, location, ratings, and reviews.
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Car maintenance
Firstly, routine maintenance is key. Ensure you get regular oil changes and tune-ups, following the manufacturer's recommendations for motor oil grade and oil change frequency. Using the wrong grade of motor oil can reduce your gas mileage, and dirty oil can cause engine parts to grind, hindering performance and fuel efficiency. Also, check your spark plugs, as bad spark plugs can decrease gas efficiency by up to 30%, and they are generally inexpensive to replace.
Secondly, tire maintenance is crucial. Keep your tires inflated to the correct levels as recommended by the manufacturer. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, and they will also help you avoid uneven tread wear. Check your tire pressure at least monthly, and preferably weekly, as tires can lose about 1 PSI per month and are subject to pressure changes due to temperature fluctuations.
Thirdly, driving habits play a significant role in fuel efficiency. Avoid aggressive driving tactics such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and stop-and-go driving, as these reduce fuel efficiency. Instead, maintain a consistent speed, using cruise control when possible, and plan your routes carefully to minimize stops and diversions. Highways are generally more fuel-efficient than local routes or city streets. Additionally, try to reduce your cargo and your car's overall weight, as lighter vehicles have better fuel mileage.
Some other simple tips to consider include filling up your vehicle when it is cooler outside, as you get more gasoline for your money; letting your car warm up for about 20 seconds before driving off; and turning off your engine when idling for prolonged periods instead of keeping it running. Implementing these maintenance and driving tips can help you maximize your fuel efficiency and save money on gas.
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Public transport
Buses come in many types, including school buses, city buses, and articulated buses. The average miles per gallon (MPG) for buses vary depending on factors such as type, age, fuel type, and driving conditions. For example, a typical school bus has an MPG of 6-10, while smaller shuttle buses have an MPG of 15-20. The fuel type can also impact MPG, with diesel or biodiesel buses having better fuel efficiency than gasoline, and hybrid buses achieving even higher MPG.
To encourage public transport usage, transportation providers can improve convenience and predictability. Dedicated lanes and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes can reduce travel time, while publishing schedules and providing status updates through mobile applications improve predictability. Offering flexible payment options and integrating payment for various mobility options into a common platform can also enhance convenience.
Additionally, facilitating the first or last leg of a trip by helping passengers link multiple transportation modes is crucial. This can be achieved through mobile ticketing apps, pre-loaded transit cards, bike-sharing systems, and micromobility services. Making bicycle or scooter storage available on buses or at transit stations enables travellers to easily transition between transportation modes.
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Frequently asked questions
The average price of gas per gallon in the US varies over time and by region. As of July 1, 2025, the average price was $3.15 per gallon, down from $3.51 a year prior.
California has the most expensive gas in the US, with an average price of $4.74 per gallon for regular fuel. Hawaii is a close second at $4.55 per gallon.
There are several strategies to save money on gas:
- Use gas apps or join rewards programs that offer discounts or cash-back rewards.
- Fill up your tank on Mondays, which tend to be the cheapest day of the week.
- Plan your route carefully to minimize stops, diversions, and traffic.
- Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.
