The national average for regular gasoline is about $4.30 a gallon, according to AAA. That is down about 11 cents since October 1, but still more than $1 higher than a year ago. AAA says it is the highest price ever recorded for this time of year.
This is the first year the national average has stayed above $4 in October, AAA said, after a record-setting September.
How much is gas right now?
| Date | AAA national average (regular) |
|---|---|
| Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 | about $4.30 |
| Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 | $4.36 |
| Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 | $4.41 |
| Early September 2026 | about $4.10–$4.15 |
| October 2025 | about $3.12–$3.16 |
September's average of $4.33 beat the previous September record of $3.83, set in 2023, by about 50 cents.
Why are gas prices so high?
Crude oil. Oil prices have been elevated through the fall amid the Iran war. U.S. crude settled at about $88 on October 7, rose to about $96 by October 15, and finished last week near $101 a barrel, according to Tapeboard and The Mortgage Reports.
Gas prices eased in early October when crude briefly slipped into the $80s. Oil's late-week jump could slow that decline.
How gas prices are hitting the economy
- Inflation: Gasoline prices jumped 9.1% in September alone, pushing annual inflation to 3.7%. See our CPI breakdown.
- Shoppers: Kroger said higher gas prices are squeezing consumers' spending. The grocer cut its sales outlook in September.
- Interest rates: Energy-driven inflation is a big reason the Federal Reserve raised rates in September and may again.
- Politics: Gas prices have become a campaign issue weeks before the midterms. One Trump voter told JD Vance he is switching his vote over gas prices.
Which states have the highest and lowest gas prices?
From AAA's October 8 report:
| Most expensive | Price | Cheapest | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $6.34 | Ohio | $3.71 |
| Hawaii | $5.63 | Indiana | $3.72 |
| Washington | $5.46 | Georgia | $3.84 |
| Nevada | $5.45 | Texas | $3.87 |
| Alaska | $5.02 | Mississippi | $3.94 |
| Oregon | $5.02 | Louisiana | $3.94 |
How to save on gas
- Compare stations. Prices can vary widely within the same town, and warehouse clubs and grocery-store stations are often cheaper.
- Use loyalty and fuel-reward programs from grocers and gas chains.
- Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and high highway speeds burn more fuel.
- Check your tires. Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy.
What about EV charging?
AAA puts public charging at about 41 to 42 cents per kilowatt-hour, roughly unchanged this month. Hawaii is the priciest at 54 cents and Kansas the cheapest at 31 cents.
What to watch
The direction of oil prices will decide what happens next at the pump. Watch, too, for any break in the Iran conflict and the government's weekly fuel inventory data each Wednesday.
Published Monday, October 19, 2026. Prices are national and state averages from AAA and change daily.
