National Average Gas Price Climbs to $4.229 per Gallon, Up More Than 20 Cents from Week Ago

By Washington Examiner Staff

*Published: 2026-04-29*

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.229 on Wednesday, marking a new high for the year, according to data from AAA. This represented an increase of more than 5 cents per gallon from Tuesday's average and more than 20 cents per gallon compared to the previous week.

This latest figure followed a monthly low of $4.02 per gallon earlier in April. Gas prices have shown significant volatility over the past 30 days. One month prior, the national average stood at $3.98 per gallon. The recent reading reflects the sixth consecutive day of price increases nationwide, following a prior period of declines.

These developments occurred amid broader trends in fuel costs. Prices had been rising gradually since a five-year low in mid-January. Initial increases were attributed to winter weather events, including snowstorms in January and February, which disrupted oil refinery operations and production across the country.

Fuel prices accelerated after the onset of hostilities in the Iran war late February or early March 2026. The conflict reached a ceasefire on April 8, 2026. Prior to Wednesday's national average, gas prices had hit a yearly high of $4.16 per gallon on April 9. A previous peak of $4.02 per gallon was recorded by the end of March, with an increase to around $2.98 per gallon noted during the first week of March.

The war's impact on global oil markets contributed to these upward pressures, though prices have continued to fluctuate even after the ceasefire. Analysts have noted that such geopolitical events can lead to sustained effects on supply chains and inventories, influencing pump prices over time.

Regional variations remain pronounced in the current pricing landscape. The highest averages are concentrated in the western United States, while the lowest are in the Midwest and Great Plains states.

Among states with the lowest prices, Oklahoma reports the cheapest statewide average at $3.658 per gallon. This is followed by Georgia at $3.702 per gallon, Kansas at $3.703 per gallon, Arkansas at $3.744 per gallon, and Mississippi at $3.747 per gallon.

In contrast, California has the highest statewide average in the nation, at $5.983 per gallon—just below $6. Hawaii follows at $5.634 per gallon, with Washington state at $5.539 per gallon. Oregon and Nevada round out the top five at $5.119 per gallon and $5.099 per gallon, respectively.

AAA's daily tracking highlights how local factors, such as taxes, refinery capacity, and distribution logistics, contribute to these disparities alongside national trends. For instance, California's elevated prices are influenced by a combination of state-specific regulations, higher taxes, and reliance on imported refined products.

The recent surge builds on a pattern of weekly gains. Just one week earlier, prices were more than 20 cents lower per gallon on average. The shift from Tuesday to Wednesday alone added over 5 cents nationwide, underscoring the rapid changes possible in fuel markets.

Over the longer term, the January low marked a baseline before seasonal and external factors took hold. Winter disruptions affected multiple refineries, reducing output and tightening supply. The subsequent Iran conflict further strained global oil dynamics, with production interruptions and heightened risk premiums pushing crude oil benchmarks higher.

Even with the April 8 ceasefire, market participants have observed that inventories remain low, limiting the immediate downward response in retail prices. This dynamic has kept discussions focused on future trajectories, including potential relief later in the year as demand patterns shift with the summer driving season.

AAA data, which surveys approximately 120,000 retail fuel outlets daily, provides the benchmark for these national and state averages. The organization's methodology accounts for self-reported prices from stations, offering a snapshot of consumer-facing costs excluding taxes in some metrics.

As prices hover near recent peaks, drivers in high-cost states like California face significantly larger weekly fuel expenses compared to those in low-cost areas such as Oklahoma. For a standard 15-gallon tank, the difference between the national average and California's top price equates to nearly $23 more per fill-up.

These trends reflect interconnected global and domestic influences, from weather events to international conflicts and regional infrastructure. Monitoring continues as markets adjust post-ceasefire and ahead of peak summer demand.

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