If filling up your tank feels painful this fall, you’re not imagining it. Gas prices have been slowly coming down over the past few weeks, but drivers are still paying more than they ever have at this time of year.
As of October 31, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was about $4.18, according to AAA.
A Slow Slide Through October
Prices have been edging down all month. Here’s how AAA’s national average moved through October:
| Date | National Average (Regular) |
|---|---|
| October 1 | $4.41 |
| October 8 | $4.36 |
| October 22 | $4.27 |
| October 29 | $4.22 |
| October 31 | $4.18 |
That’s a drop of more than 20 cents in a month. But it’s still a historic level. AAA says this is the first year the national average has topped $4 a gallon in October, and that prices are the highest they’ve ever been for this time of year.
Why Prices Aren’t Falling Faster
The biggest factor is crude oil, the raw material that gasoline is made from. Crude oil prices have climbed back above $100 a barrel.
“Crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, however, are limiting further declines at the pump,” AAA said in its latest update.
Fall usually brings some relief at the pump. Summer driving season ends, demand drops and stations switch to cheaper winter-blend gas. But with oil this expensive, that usual autumn break has been much smaller than drivers would hope.
What About Electric Cars?
EV drivers aren’t completely off the hook either. AAA’s tracking shows the national average at public EV charging stations was about 41 cents per kilowatt-hour in early October. Charging at home is usually much cheaper, depending on your local electricity rates.
How to Save Money at the Pump
You can’t control oil prices, but you can cut what you spend:
- Use a gas price app. Prices can vary by 20 cents or more a gallon between stations just a few miles apart.
- Check for discounts. Many grocery stores, warehouse clubs and credit cards offer fuel discounts.
- Drive smoother. Fast starts and hard braking burn more fuel. Easing off the gas can noticeably improve your mileage.
- Slow down on the highway. Fuel economy drops quickly at higher speeds.
- Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires waste gas, and tire pressure drops as temperatures fall in autumn.
- Clear out the trunk. Extra weight means extra fuel.
- Combine errands into one trip instead of several short ones.
What’s Next?
Where gas prices go from here depends mostly on crude oil. If oil prices ease, drivers could see bigger drops heading into the holidays. If they stay above $100 a barrel, prices may stay stuck near where they are now, just as millions of people get ready for Thanksgiving road trips.
You can check the average price in your state on AAA’s gas prices website, which is updated daily.
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