State Gas Prices Fluctuate: Discover the Reasons Behind the Change
U.S. motorists faced higher pump prices as fears over energy supply rose. A joint U.S. and Israel operation disrupted crude oil shipments. That disruption helped push national averages upward in early April.
National averages and recent movement
The national average climbed to $4.08 per gallon on Thursday, April 2. AAA Auto Club reported the figure.
This represented an increase from $3.98 one week earlier, on March 26. It was much higher than $3.00 on March 5.
State Gas Prices Fluctuate — key drivers
Filmogaz.com reviewed why prices differ by state. Discover the reasons behind the change below.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration lists several causes. They include state and local taxes, distance from supply, and supply disruptions.
Retail competition and operating costs also matter. Environmental programs can raise costs where special fuel is required.
The EIA adds that transportation costs increase with distance. Anything that slows production raises bidding for available fuel.
Prices also tend to be higher where there are fewer gasoline stations. Some regions must use reformulated gasoline with additives.
Federal tax and policy context
The federal government has levied a gasoline tax since the 1930s. The current federal rate is 18.4 cents per gallon.
That rate was set by Congress in 1993. Transportation funding advocates say Congress has not raised it in over three decades.
Where taxes and pump prices are highest
State gas taxes vary widely. California has the highest state tax at 71 cents per gallon.
On April 2, California drivers paid an average of $5.89 per gallon. That was up from $4.65 on March 5.
Oklahoma had the lowest average price on April 2 at $3.27 per gallon. That was higher than Oklahoma’s $2.47 average on March 5.
Top state gas taxes and April 2 averages
| State | State Gas Tax (cents/gal) | April 2 Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| California | 71 | $5.89 |
| Illinois | 66 | $4.27 |
| Washington | 59 | $5.37 |
| Pennsylvania | 59 | $4.08 |
| Indiana | 55 | $3.95 |
| Michigan | 48 | $3.89 |
| Maryland | 46 | $4.06 |
| New Jersey | 45 | $4.05 |
| Virginia | 42 | $4.01 |
| Rhode Island | 41 | $3.91 |
| North Carolina | 41 | $3.91 |
| Oregon | 40 | $4.97 |
| Florida | 39 | $4.23 |
| Utah | 39 | $4.19 |
| Ohio | 39 | $3.76 |
Notable price and tax contrasts
Hawaii showed a high retail average at $5.50 per gallon on April 2. Alaska had the lowest state tax at nine cents per gallon, with a $4.60 average price.
These contrasts show how taxes and location push prices in different directions. Local factors and supply issues often explain abrupt changes.
What drivers should watch
Monitor geopolitical risks and regional supply reports. Those factors can quickly affect local pump prices.
Also check state tax rates and seasonal fuel rules. Both commonly shape regional price differences.
Filmogaz.com will continue to track state-level changes and national averages. Expect more volatility while supply conditions remain uncertain.
