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National Average Gasoline Price Reaches $4.56 per Gallon

Every U.S. state now reports average regular gasoline prices above $4 per gallon. AAA data released Wednesday showed the national average at $4.56, with seven states above $5 and California above $6.

Washington Examiner
1 source·May 20, 1:15 PM(9 days ago)·1m read
National Average Gasoline Price Reaches $4.56 per GallonWashington Examiner
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Gas prices have climbed above $4 per gallon in every state for the first time in years. 56, with even traditionally low-cost states crossing the $4 threshold. The milestone marks the first time all 50 states have recorded average gas prices above $4 a gallon since the 2022 energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Seven states now average more than $5 per gallon, led by California, which is averaging more than $6 a gallon. Mississippi and Oklahoma, which are typically among the cheapest states for fuel, have also climbed above $4.

Fuel costs have surged since late February as fighting involving Iran disrupted global markets and contributed to a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that carries one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Crude prices have hovered above $100 per barrel in recent weeks, pushing gas prices steadily higher across the United States.

50 this month. The latest increase comes as refiners shift to more expensive gasoline blends and Americans prepare for heavier Memorial Day travel demand, factors that typically place additional upward pressure on pump prices.

Government data released last week showed wholesale energy prices climbed sharply in April, driven largely by higher gasoline and diesel costs. President Donald Trump has said that high gas prices are a small price to pay for national security and has taken steps to offer relief for consumers.

U.S. U.S. citizens. Additionally, the White House has eased sanctions on Russian oil. “This is peanuts,” Trump said on Tuesday. “I appreciate everybody putting up with it for a little while. It won’t be much longer.

Key Facts

National average
$4.56 per gallon of regular gasoline
All 50 states
Average prices above $4 per gallon
Seven states
Average prices above $5 per gallon
California
Average price above $6 per gallon
Crude oil
Prices above $100 per barrel in recent weeks

Story Timeline

4 events
  1. Late February

    National average gasoline price was just under $3 per gallon.

    1 sourceWashington Examiner
  2. April

    Wholesale energy prices climbed sharply, driven by higher gasoline and diesel costs.

    1 sourceWashington Examiner
  3. Wednesday

    AAA released data showing national average at $4.56 per gallon.

    1 sourceWashington Examiner
  4. Tuesday

    President Donald Trump commented on current gas prices.

    1 sourceWashington Examiner

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Refiners are shifting to more expensive summer gasoline blends.

  2. 02

    Memorial Day travel demand could place additional upward pressure on prices.

  3. 03

    Higher fuel costs may increase transportation and shipping expenses for businesses.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count273 words
PublishedMay 20, 2026, 1:15 PM
Bias signals removed2 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Speculative 1Amplifying 1

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