Drivers are paying less at the pump than they were a month ago, and the drop is happening almost everywhere.
The National Average Right Now
Depending on the tracker, a gallon of regular is going for about $4.07 to $4.15 nationally this week. ChooseEnergy measured the average at $4.12 on November 4, down from $4.40 on October 2. That is a drop of about 6.3% in one month. Finder’s tracking also showed the average falling, to $4.15 on November 5 from $4.26 the week before.
Prices are still higher than many drivers would like. But the direction has been steady and downward.
Prices Fell in 48 States
According to ChooseEnergy’s monthly data, prices went down in 48 states over the past month. That is about as broad as a price drop gets.
The usual pattern between states hasn’t changed:
- California is still the most expensive, at about $5.87 a gallon.
- North Carolina is the cheapest, at about $3.37.
That is a gap of roughly $2.50 a gallon. On a 15-gallon fill-up, it works out to more than $35.
Why Prices Are Dropping
Several seasonal factors usually push prices down in the fall:
- Summer driving demand has ended.
- Stations have switched to cheaper winter-blend gasoline.
- Refineries are coming back from fall maintenance.
Crude oil prices also play a big role. When crude eases, pump prices tend to follow a few weeks later.
What Forecasters Expect
The federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects regular gas to average about $3.91 a gallon for all of 2026, and to fall further to about $3.56 in 2027. Forecasts can change quickly, especially if oil markets are disrupted. Still, the official outlook points to some relief.
Tips Before Thanksgiving Travel
- Use a price app to compare stations nearby. Prices can differ by 30 cents or more within a few miles.
- Stations right next to highway exits often charge more.
- Keep your tires properly inflated, because underinflated tires waste fuel.
- Smooth acceleration and steady speeds save more gas than most people expect.