COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) -- The national average price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time since May 2021, marking a significant milestone for motorists as the country heads deeper into the winter driving season.
According to GasBuddy data, average prices have decreased in all 50 states over the last week, an exceptionally rare and broad-based retreat.
"We haven't seen the national average fall this low in over four years, and the speed and breadth of the decline are remarkable," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Every single state has seen relief at the pump over the past week, a rare feat that underscores how challenging the fundamentals are for gasoline prices right now."
The recent drop in gasoline prices has been driven by a combination of easing crude oil costs, robust refinery output, and softer seasonal fuel demand. U.S. refineries have returned to strong utilization rates, contributing to rising gasoline inventories at a time when consumption naturally tapers. Meanwhile, subdued market sentiment has kept crude oil benchmarks under pressure, giving additional breathing room to retail fuel prices.
GasBuddy also continues to track several dozen stations in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas selling gasoline at $1.99 per gallon or less. These ultra-low prices may continue to appear in select states in the months ahead, provided market conditions remain favorable.
"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 the winter before prices begin their typical climb in mid-February," De Haan added. "As we get closer to 2026, the outlook for another friendly year for motorists is strengthening."
GasBuddy recommends that drivers looking to save money on travel costs for the upcoming holiday season shop around for the best gas prices along their route by using a tool like the GasBuddy app. Drivers can also join GasBuddy's Pay with GasBuddy+ membership program for more substantial rewards at the pump and in convenience stores with guaranteed savings of 3 to 5 cents per gallon.