If you’re pulling up to the pump this Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’re probably noticing something a bit weird. Usually, news about fuel involves some sort of crisis or a massive price spike that ruins your weekend plans. But honestly, the average price of gas in the us today is currently sitting at a surprisingly chill $2.83 per gallon for regular unleaded.
That is cheap. Relatively speaking, of course.
Compared to this time last year, when we were staring down a $3.12 average, we’re actually getting a bargain. It’s the lowest we’ve seen mid-January prices in years. If you’ve got a 15-gallon tank, you’re saving nearly five bucks every time you fill up compared to 2025. That’s a coffee. Or a very fancy donut.
The Current State of the Pump
According to the latest real-time data from AAA, the national average took a tiny nudge upward this week—about two cents—but the overall trend is still leaning heavily in favor of the consumer. Why? Basically, it’s the winter-blend effect. Refineries switch to a cheaper mixture during the cold months because the air is cooler and the fuel doesn't evaporate as easily.
🔗 Read more: Shangri-La Asia Interim Report 2024 PDF: What Most People Get Wrong
Demand is also just… low. Nobody wants to go on a massive road trip when half the country is under a blanket of gray clouds and slush.
What You’re Paying Based on Where You Live
The $2.83 national average is a bit of a lie if you live in certain states. It’s an "average" for a reason. If you’re in Hawaii, you’re probably laughing (or crying) at that number while you pay $4.42. Meanwhile, folks in Oklahoma are living the dream at $2.34 per gallon.
Here is the rough breakdown of what the map looks like right now:
💡 You might also like: Private Credit News Today: Why the Golden Age is Getting a Reality Check
- The Budget Zone: Oklahoma ($2.34), Texas ($2.41), and Arkansas ($2.44) are consistently the cheapest. If you’re in the Gulf Coast or the South, you’re likely seeing numbers well under $2.50.
- The "Middle Class" of Gas: Most of the Midwest and East Coast are hovering between $2.60 and $2.90. Think Ohio at $2.78 or New Jersey at $2.77.
- The Wallet-Breakers: California ($4.20), Washington ($3.81), and Nevada ($3.35) remain the most expensive. High state taxes and strict environmental regulations keep these numbers stubbornly high even when the rest of the country is seeing a break.
Why Prices Haven’t Exploded (Yet)
A lot of experts, including Patrick De Haan over at GasBuddy, have been tracking a "six-week decline" that only just recently stalled out. Usually, by late January, we start to see the "spring surge" where prices creep up in anticipation of travel. But right now, global oil supply is holding steady.
OPEC+ recently signaled they aren’t planning any major production hikes, but they aren't slashing them either.
The biggest wildcard? Iran. Tensions in the Middle East are the only thing keeping energy analysts up at night right now. If anything happens to the oil infrastructure over there, that $2.83 average will vanish faster than a New Year's resolution. For now, though, the market seems to be pricing in a bit of "wait and see" caution without panicking.
📖 Related: Syrian Dinar to Dollar: Why Everyone Gets the Name (and the Rate) Wrong
The Diesel and EV Gap
If you drive a truck, I'm sorry. Diesel hasn't seen the same aggressive drop as regular gasoline. The average for diesel is sitting at $3.51 today. It’s better than the $3.61 we saw last year, but it’s still a significant premium.
On the flip side, the cost to juice up an EV at a public station is holding remarkably steady. AAA reports the national average for public charging remains at 38 cents per kilowatt-hour. In states like Kansas, you might find it as low as 26 cents, while West Virginia drivers are getting hit with 52 cents.
How to Handle Your Commute This Month
Don’t get complacent. Just because the average price of gas in the us today is under three dollars doesn't mean it’ll stay there. Historically, February and March are when the "seasonal climb" begins as refineries start maintenance and prepare for the summer-blend switch.
If you want to keep your costs down, do the basic stuff.
- Stop being a lead foot. Rapid acceleration kills your MPG faster than anything else.
- Use an app. GasBuddy or AAA’s TripTik are actually useful for finding that one station three blocks away that’s 20 cents cheaper.
- Check your tires. Cold weather makes tire pressure drop. Lower pressure means more rolling resistance, which means you’re burning more gas for no reason.
Actionable Next Steps for Drivers
- Monitor the $2.80 Floor: If you see local prices drop below $2.70 in a non-Gulf state, fill up. That’s likely the floor for the season.
- Track Regional Spikes: Keep an eye on West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices. If you see WTI jump above $65 a barrel on the news, expect your local pump to reflect that within 48 to 72 hours.
- Plan for March: Start budgeting for a 15-20% increase in fuel costs by early spring. The "winter discount" is a temporary gift.
The reality of the average price of gas in the us today is that we are in a rare moment of stability. Enjoy the sub-$3.00 gas while it lasts, but keep your maintenance up so you aren't overpaying when the market inevitably shifts.