Gas Prices Ease Slightly but Stay at Record Highs for Fall

Drivers are getting a little relief at the pump, but not much. The AAA national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was about $4.29 on Oct. 25, down from $4.36 on Oct. 8 and $4.41 at the start of the month.

Even with the dip, AAA says prices remain the highest they’ve ever been for this time of year. That follows a record-setting September. For comparison, the national average started 2026 at about $2.83.

Why gas is so expensive

Crude oil is the biggest ingredient in the price of gasoline. Oil prices jumped above $100 a barrel this spring after fighting involving Iran disrupted oil production and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world’s oil. AAA said in mid-October that crude was again nearing $100 a barrel and pump prices weren’t budging much.

Gas prices also fed directly into inflation. The gasoline index jumped 9.1% in September alone and accounted for more than half of that month’s increase in consumer prices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Will prices keep falling?

Gas prices usually ease in the fall as driving slows and stations switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel. But with crude prices high, any relief depends largely on global oil markets. Prices also vary widely by state.

How to spend less at the pump

• Compare prices in a gas app before filling up; stations a few miles apart can differ by 20 cents or more.
• Use grocery or warehouse club fuel rewards if you already shop there.
• Pay cash where stations offer a cash discount.
• Keep tires properly inflated and remove extra weight.
• Slow down on the highway and combine errands.

For more ideas, see our full guide to saving on gas and lowering the total cost of your car.