The national average price of gasoline has dropped below $3 per gallon for the first time in over four years, marking a significant milestone as reported by GasBuddy. This decline reflects a trend occurring across all 50 states, coinciding with the upcoming holiday season when many families are expected to travel by car.
According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, the current situation is notable. “We haven’t seen the national average fall this low in over four years, and the speed and breadth of the decline are remarkable,” he stated. He emphasized that every state has experienced reductions in fuel prices over the past week, which is an unusual occurrence given the current market dynamics.
GasBuddy, a fuel price tracking service, collects data from its users, providing insights into local prices and discounts at gas stations. The platform noted that numerous gas stations in states such as Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas are already offering prices as low as $1.99 per gallon. If market conditions remain stable, similar prices may continue to emerge in the coming months.
Several factors contribute to this decrease in fuel costs. Easing crude oil prices, increased supply from OPEC+, record levels of oil production in the United States, and heightened refinery output are all playing a role. U.S. refineries have ramped up their operations, which has helped to bolster gasoline inventories at a time when demand typically wanes during the winter months.
De Haan further indicated, “We could see the national average spend more of the next four weeks below the $3 per gallon mark than above it—a trend that may continue into winter before prices begin their typical climb in mid-February.” He added that as the calendar approaches 2026, the outlook for favorable conditions for motorists is becoming more optimistic.
For those planning to travel during the holidays, GasBuddy advises consumers to shop around for the best fuel prices. The GasBuddy app and the Pay with GasBuddy+ membership program, which offers savings of 3 to 5 cents per gallon, are recommended tools for finding discounts.
As families prepare for holiday travel, the recent drop in gasoline prices may ease some of the financial burdens associated with road trips, making it a welcome development for many motorists across the nation.
