How gas prices are built
The pump price stacks four layers: crude oil cost, refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes. Crude is usually the largest single component.
Practical Fuel-Cost Intelligence
Fuel prices translated into real driving costs.
National gasoline-price data with practical monthly, annual, and trip-cost tools. See what changing fuel prices mean for your commute, household, or road trip.
- National average
- Your vehicle
- Your trips
Gasoline price history
Weekly U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline, including taxes.
Monthly Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate what your regular driving costs at a given gasoline price.
Totals multiply across vehicles with the same miles and MPG.
Results
Enter monthly miles, your vehicle's MPG, and a gas price to see monthly and annual costs.
What would a $0.25 price change mean?
Fill in the monthly calculator above to see how a $0.25 swing in gas prices would change your costs.
Road Trip Fuel Calculator
Estimate the fuel needed for a specific trip before you leave.
Results
Enter a distance, your vehicle's MPG, and a fuel price to estimate trip costs.
Fuel economics
Understand what you pay at the pump
Practical context for the number on the sign, with no politics and no predictions.
Why local prices differ
State taxes, distance from refineries, required fuel blends, and local competition can move your price a dollar or more from the national average.
Seasonal fuel blends
Summer-blend gasoline costs more to produce and is required in warmer months, which is one reason prices often rise in spring.
Refining and distribution
Refinery maintenance and outages tighten gasoline supply even when crude is steady, and trucking costs add a few cents before fuel reaches the station.
Taxes
Federal gasoline tax is fixed per gallon, while state and local taxes vary widely. Taxes are included in the national average shown here.
Vehicle efficiency
Doubling your MPG halves your fuel cost at any price. Efficiency is the biggest lever most drivers actually control.
Newsletter
The Gallon Brief
A concise weekly update on U.S. gasoline prices and driving costs.
The Gallon Brief is in development. Periodic fuel-price updates and driving-cost context will be available soon.