Gas Prices Near Me: What Determines the Price at the Pump and How Drivers Can Save

Searches for “gas prices near me” reflect one of the most visible pressures on American household budgets.

Gasoline prices appear in enormous illuminated numbers beside roads, shopping centers, intersections, and highway exits. Drivers can watch the price change from one day to the next and sometimes see differences of 20, 30, or even 50 cents between stations located only a few miles apart.

Unlike rent, insurance, or an electricity bill, gasoline prices are publicly displayed before the purchase. Every increase is immediately visible.

That visibility can make pump prices appear arbitrary or politically controlled. In reality, the price of a gallon of gasoline is produced by several connected markets and costs.

The most important are:

• crude oil;

• refining;

• transportation and distribution;

• federal, state, and local taxes;

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• fuel specifications;

• local operating costs;

• competition among stations;

• temporary supply disruptions.

Some of these factors operate globally. Others vary by state, city, neighborhood, or even individual intersection.

Understanding the difference helps explain why gasoline can become more expensive nationwide while remaining cheaper at one local station than another.

It also helps drivers identify the savings strategies that genuinely work—and avoid wasting fuel to save only a few cents.

Gas prices today: the national picture in July 2026

The latest available AAA national reading dated July 28, 2026 placed the average price of regular gasoline at approximately $4.10 per gallon.

AAA had reported on July 23 that the average rose by about 15 cents in one week to $4.09. Most states were then averaging approximately $4 per gallon or more.

The organization linked the increase primarily to higher crude-oil prices and instability around the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for international oil shipments.

The Energy Information Administration reported a similar upward movement in its weekly survey.

The national average price of regular gasoline increased from $3.855 per gallon on July 13 to $4.001 on July 20. Regional averages ranged from approximately $3.59 on the Gulf Coast to nearly $4.98 on the West Coast.

These figures are national and regional averages.

They do not tell an individual driver the exact price at the nearest station.

Local prices can be higher or lower because of taxes, transportation costs, regional fuel requirements, wholesale contracts, and station-level competition.

Why the price near you may differ from the national average

A national average combines thousands of stations across very different markets.

A driver in Texas may encounter prices well below the average because of proximity to Gulf Coast refineries, pipeline infrastructure, and lower regional transportation costs.

A driver in California may pay substantially more because of:

• higher taxes;

• specialized gasoline requirements;

• limited connections with fuel markets outside the state;

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• a relatively concentrated refining system;

• higher commercial and real-estate costs.

A driver in a remote rural area may face higher prices because fuel must travel farther by truck and the station has little nearby competition.

A station near a major airport or isolated highway exit may charge more than one in a dense retail area because drivers have fewer alternatives.

The phrase “gas prices near me” is therefore important.

The national trend explains the direction of prices. Local conditions determine the amount appearing on the sign.

What drivers are paying for in a gallon of gasoline

The EIA divides the retail price of gasoline into four major components:

1. Crude oil.

2. Refining costs and profits.

3. Distribution and marketing costs and profits.

4. Taxes.

Crude oil is normally the largest component, although its share changes over time.

The other components explain why pump prices can differ even when stations are purchasing fuel influenced by the same global oil market.

Crude oil: the largest and most volatile component

Gasoline is produced from crude oil.

When the international price of crude rises, refiners must pay more for the primary raw material used to produce gasoline.

Those higher costs eventually move through wholesale markets and reach retail stations.

Crude prices are influenced by:

• global oil consumption;

• production by OPEC and partner countries;

• U.S. and other non-OPEC production;

• wars and political instability;

• sanctions;

• shipping disruptions;

• commercial inventories;

• expectations about economic growth;

• currency movements;

• financial-market activity.

Gasoline sold in the United States is influenced by international oil conditions even when the crude was produced domestically.

Oil is traded within a global market. U.S. producers, refiners, importers, and exporters respond to international prices and alternative buyers.

The EIA has found that Brent crude, an international benchmark, has historically been especially important in explaining U.S. gasoline prices.

Why oil-price changes do not reach the pump immediately

A crude-oil price increase does not normally appear in full at every station on the same day.

Fuel moves through several stages:

• crude purchase;

• refining;

• wholesale trading;

• terminal storage;

• transportation;

• retail inventory.

Stations may still be selling gasoline purchased earlier at a different wholesale price.

The EIA has previously estimated that a $1-per-barrel change in crude oil corresponds to roughly 2.4 cents per gallon if fully passed through. It also found that a substantial part of a crude-price change may reach consumers within several weeks rather than immediately.

The timing varies according to:

• wholesale market conditions;

• inventories;

• local competition;

• the speed of the price change;

• regional supply constraints.

This explains why gasoline may continue rising after crude prices stabilize or remain expensive briefly after crude begins falling.

Refining costs and profit margins

Crude oil cannot be placed directly into a vehicle’s fuel tank.

It must be processed into usable products by refineries.

A refinery converts crude into products such as:

• gasoline;

• diesel;

• jet fuel;

• heating oil;

• petrochemical feedstocks.

Refining costs depend on:

• energy;

• labor;

• maintenance;

• environmental requirements;

• refinery configuration;

• the type of crude processed;

• the mix of products demanded;

• required fuel specifications.

Refinery profit margins can also expand or contract according to the relationship between crude costs and the wholesale value of refined products.

This relationship is sometimes discussed through refining spreads or crack spreads.

A gasoline price increase can therefore occur even when crude oil is stable if wholesale gasoline becomes scarce or refining margins rise.

Why refinery shutdowns affect regional prices

The United States does not have unlimited refining capacity.

When a major facility closes for maintenance, experiences a fire, loses electricity, or is damaged by severe weather, regional fuel production can decline.

Prices may then rise because nearby markets have to draw from inventories or import fuel from other regions.

The impact is often stronger when:

• inventories are already low;

• several facilities are unavailable;

• pipelines are constrained;

• the region requires a specialized fuel blend;

• replacement supplies must travel long distances.

The EIA reported in May 2026 that temporary refinery outages and maintenance had contributed to price increases in parts of the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region.

Refinery problems can therefore produce a local or regional increase even if national oil prices have not changed significantly.

Distribution: how gasoline reaches a station

Finished gasoline must move from a refinery to the consumer.

The supply chain commonly involves:

1. Transportation from a refinery through a pipeline, ship, barge, rail system, or truck.

2. Storage at a regional terminal.

3. Blending with ethanol or other components.

4. Delivery by tanker truck to the retail station.

Each step creates costs.

Regions connected to large pipeline and refining networks may receive fuel more cheaply than isolated markets.

Areas dependent on marine shipments or long-distance trucking may pay more.

Transportation disruptions can also affect prices.

Examples include:

• pipeline failures;

• port closures;

• storms;

• flooding;

• road interruptions;

• labor disputes;

• equipment shortages.

A station cannot sell gasoline that has not been delivered, regardless of how much crude oil exists nationally.

Retail and marketing costs

The final portion of the supply chain involves the gas station.

Station owners must pay for:

• employees;

• land or rent;

• electricity;

• insurance;

• environmental compliance;

• pumps and maintenance;

• credit-card processing;

• security;

• licenses;

• local fees;

• inventory financing.

The cost structure differs considerably between locations.

A station on expensive urban land may require a higher margin than one operating on lower-cost property.

A highway station open 24 hours may have higher staffing and security costs than a smaller daytime operation.

The EIA notes that even nearby stations can have different traffic patterns, rents, supply sources, and levels of competition.

Federal gasoline tax

The federal tax applied to gasoline is 18.4 cents per gallon.

That amount consists of the federal motor-fuel excise tax and a small fee connected to leaking underground storage tanks.

The federal amount is the same across the country.

State and local taxes create much more geographical variation.

State and local fuel taxes

Every state applies its own combination of taxes and fees.

The EIA reported that state gasoline taxes and fees averaged 33.55 cents per gallon as of January 2026.

Additional sales, county, city, environmental, or inspection charges can apply in some places.

This creates long-lasting differences between neighboring states.

A driver may cross a state boundary and see an immediate change even though:

• the crude-oil market is identical;

• the weather is identical;

• the stations are only minutes apart.

Drivers living near state borders may sometimes fill up on the lower-tax side, but the saving must be compared with the additional distance and time.

Special fuel blends

Not every gallon sold in the United States has exactly the same formulation.

Some regions require reformulated or cleaner-burning gasoline to address air-quality concerns.

These fuels may require:

• additional processing;

• different blending components;

• separate storage;

• specialized distribution.

The extra requirements can increase production costs.

They can also make it harder to replace supplies when a refinery experiences a problem because gasoline produced for another region may not satisfy local regulations.

California is the best-known example.

The state uses specialized fuel specifications and relies heavily on a limited regional refining and distribution system. The EIA notes that California gasoline is more expensive to produce and that infrastructure connections with other U.S. fuel regions are limited.

Why California gas is usually more expensive

California’s higher prices are not caused by one factor.

They reflect a combination of:

• state taxes and fees;

• specialized gasoline blends;

• environmental requirements;

• limited regional refinery capacity;

• transportation constraints;

• periods of refinery maintenance;

• expensive real estate and business costs.

Because replacement fuel may need to be specially produced and transported by ship, disruptions can create larger and longer-lasting increases.

The West Coast regional average was nearly $4.98 per gallon in the EIA’s July 20, 2026 survey, substantially above every other major U.S. region.

Why Gulf Coast prices are often lower

The Gulf Coast contains a large concentration of:

• refineries;

• pipelines;

• storage facilities;

• ports;

• petroleum infrastructure.

Fuel can often be produced and distributed with lower transportation costs.

Taxes also differ from those in high-cost states.

The EIA’s July 20 regional survey placed Gulf Coast regular gasoline at approximately $3.59 per gallon, well below the national figure.

This does not mean prices there never rise.

The Gulf Coast is vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, refinery outages, and disruptions to offshore oil and gas operations.

Why prices can differ across one city

Two stations in the same city can purchase gasoline from different suppliers, operate under different brand agreements, and face different costs.

Important station-level factors include:

• wholesale contract terms;

• delivery timing;

• brand requirements;

• property costs;

• traffic;

• nearby competition;

• convenience-store sales;

• operating hours;

• credit-card fees.

One station may accept a lower fuel margin because it earns more money from food, drinks, tobacco, car washes, or other convenience products.

Another may depend more heavily on fuel sales.

A warehouse club may price gasoline aggressively to attract members into its wider retail ecosystem.

An independent station may need a higher fuel margin to remain profitable.

Competition is one of the strongest local influences

Stations located near several direct competitors have greater incentive to match or undercut nearby prices.

A station that is the only practical option near an isolated highway exit, airport, rural town, or tourist destination has less pricing pressure.

Drivers frequently encounter higher prices:

• immediately beside highways;

• near airports;

• in isolated areas;

• in expensive downtown districts;

• at stations with limited nearby alternatives.

Traveling a short distance away from an exit or major attraction can sometimes produce meaningful savings.

The additional journey must remain small enough that the driver does not spend the saving on extra gasoline.

Brand-name gasoline and independent stations

Major-brand stations may charge more than nearby independent retailers.

The difference can reflect:

• branding;

• additives;

• franchise costs;

• supply contracts;

• rewards programs;

• perceived product quality;

• location.

U.S. gasoline must meet applicable fuel and octane standards regardless of brand.

Some companies advertise proprietary detergent packages or enhanced additive levels.

Drivers should follow the fuel grade and specifications required by the vehicle manufacturer rather than assuming the most expensive station or grade is always necessary.

Regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline

Gasoline is commonly sold in three octane grades:

• regular;

• midgrade;

• premium.

Octane measures resistance to abnormal combustion or engine knocking.

Premium gasoline costs more to produce and purchase.

The EIA reported that during 2025, the national annual average price of premium gasoline was approximately 93 cents per gallon higher than regular.

Using premium in a vehicle designed for regular gasoline does not automatically provide:

• more power;

• better fuel economy;

• a cleaner engine;

• longer engine life.

Drivers should consult the owner’s manual.

If premium is required, using a lower grade may affect performance or damage the engine.

If premium is merely recommended, the driver may have more flexibility, but should follow manufacturer guidance.

Cash price versus credit price

Some stations display separate cash and credit prices.

Credit transactions create processing costs for the retailer.

The station may add several cents per gallon to recover those costs.

A driver should check whether the large number on the sign applies to:

• cash;

• credit;

• members;

• a car-wash purchase;

• a specific payment application.

The cheapest displayed number may not be available to every customer.

Cash can avoid the credit surcharge, but it may require entering the store and paying in advance.

A rewards credit card could still produce a lower effective cost even when the posted credit price is higher.

The complete calculation matters more than the sign.

Member and loyalty prices

Warehouse clubs, grocery chains, and fuel-reward programs may provide discounts.

The true value depends on:

• membership cost;

• distance to the station;

• waiting time;

• spending requirements;

• expiration of points;

• the number of gallons purchased.

A membership that costs $60 annually and saves 10 cents per gallon requires 600 gallons of annual purchases to recover the fee through gasoline savings alone.

The membership may still be worthwhile because of other benefits, but the fuel discount should not be treated as automatically free.

Why warehouse-club gasoline can be cheaper

Warehouse retailers may accept lower fuel margins because gasoline helps:

• attract members;

• increase store visits;

• strengthen membership retention;

• encourage other purchases.

High sales volume may also reduce certain per-gallon operating costs.

Long lines can reduce the practical saving if the driver spends significant time idling or travels far from the normal route.

Summer-blend and winter-blend gasoline

Gasoline formulations change seasonally.

Summer gasoline must meet stricter volatility requirements intended to reduce evaporation and air pollution during warm weather.

Producing the summer blend can cost more.

Refineries also undergo maintenance and transition between formulations, which can temporarily tighten supply.

The winter blend is generally less expensive to produce.

Seasonal fuel changes help explain why prices often rise during spring and early summer and decline during autumn.

The pattern is common but not guaranteed.

A major crude-oil move or geopolitical event can overwhelm normal seasonality.

Summer driving demand

Americans generally drive more during the summer because of:

• vacations;

• road trips;

• school holidays;

• recreational travel;

• seasonal employment.

Higher demand can increase wholesale and retail prices, particularly when combined with costlier summer fuel.

The EIA notes that gasoline demand generally rises in summer and can contribute to higher prices.

Hurricane season

A substantial portion of U.S. petroleum infrastructure is located along the Gulf Coast.

Hurricanes can force the temporary closure of:

• offshore platforms;

• refineries;

• ports;

• pipelines;

• terminals.

Prices can rise before a storm if companies close facilities and consumers increase purchases.

The direction of the effect depends on which part of the system is disrupted.

A storm that reduces refining activity may push gasoline prices higher.

A storm that primarily reduces driving demand may have a different effect.

Why OPEC decisions matter

OPEC and partner countries influence a significant share of global oil supply.

When major producers reduce output, expectations of tighter supply may increase crude prices.

When they increase production, prices may face downward pressure.

The actual effect depends on:

• global demand;

• compliance with production targets;

• non-OPEC output;

• inventories;

• spare capacity;

• geopolitical risk.

Announcements can move oil markets before physical supply changes.

Gasoline prices may then respond through the crude-oil component.

The Strait of Hormuz and gasoline prices

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for international energy shipments.

Conflict, blockades, military threats, or shipping disruptions in the area can increase fears that oil will become harder or more expensive to transport.

Even before a complete physical shortage develops, traders may add a risk premium to crude prices.

That was a significant factor behind the July 2026 increase in U.S. gasoline prices, according to AAA and current energy-market reporting.

Does the president control gasoline prices?

No U.S. president directly sets ordinary retail gasoline prices.

Government decisions can influence the market through:

• energy policy;

• sanctions;

• environmental regulation;

• taxes;

• drilling rules;

• diplomacy;

• use of strategic reserves;

• infrastructure approvals.

However, daily prices remain heavily influenced by international crude markets, refining conditions, demand, inventories, and local retail competition.

Presidents are often credited when prices fall and blamed when they rise, even when the main cause is an international market event outside direct presidential control.

Government policy matters, but it is one factor among many.

Why prices sometimes rise faster than they fall

Drivers often believe pump prices respond immediately when oil rises but decline slowly when oil falls.

The actual adjustment can vary.

Stations may raise prices quickly when their replacement cost increases because they need enough revenue to purchase the next fuel delivery.

When wholesale costs decline, competitive pressure may force prices lower, but the station may still be selling inventory purchased at an earlier, higher cost.

Local competition, inventory timing, and wholesale volatility all affect the speed.

Research on the issue has produced mixed conclusions across different markets and periods.

The practical point is that crude and pump prices should not be expected to move in perfect daily synchronization.

How to find the cheapest gas near you

A good search strategy combines live information with basic judgment.

Use current price data

Fuel-price applications and navigation services can display recent station reports.

AAA’s fuel-price service publishes national, state, and local averages using data from a large station sample. AAA says its system is updated daily and draws on pricing information covering as many as 120,000 stations.

Crowdsourced applications can be especially useful at the neighborhood level, but the timestamp matters.

A report from several hours or days earlier may no longer be accurate.

Compare total cost, not only price per gallon

Suppose one station charges 10 cents less per gallon but requires a six-mile round trip.

If the driver purchases 12 gallons, the gross saving is $1.20.

The extra driving consumes fuel, adds vehicle wear, and takes time.

The farther station may not create a real saving.

The best station is often the cheapest convenient option near the driver’s existing route—not the lowest number in the entire metropolitan area.

Check all conditions attached to the price

Before choosing a station, determine whether the listed price requires:

• cash;

• membership;

• a car wash;

• a loyalty account;

• a mobile payment method;

• grocery points.

A misleading comparison can occur when one application displays a cash-only price and another station’s normal credit price.

Look beyond highway exits

Stations located immediately beside highways frequently charge more because they sell convenience and access.

Searching a few blocks farther into a commercial district may reveal lower prices.

Drivers should avoid entering unfamiliar or unsafe areas solely to save a small amount.

Use loyalty programs carefully

Fuel points can reduce the effective price, but consumers should not purchase unnecessary groceries or merchandise to earn them.

The reward is useful only when it comes from spending that would have occurred anyway.

Evaluate gas-reward credit cards

A card offering cash back on fuel can reduce net spending.

Before applying, review:

• annual fee;

• reward rate;

• spending cap;

• eligible station categories;

• warehouse-club exclusions;

• interest rate.

A person carrying a balance and paying credit-card interest will likely lose more than the rewards provide.

Rewards are most useful when the balance is paid in full.

Avoid filling up unnecessarily during sudden disruptions

When drivers hear that a storm or shortage may affect supply, many rush to fill every vehicle and container.

This sudden demand can create or worsen temporary shortages.

Drivers should remain reasonably prepared but avoid panic buying.

Does the day of the week matter?

Claims that one particular weekday always offers the cheapest gasoline are unreliable.

Stations can change prices several times according to:

• wholesale costs;

• competitors;

• demand;

• inventory;

• automated pricing systems.

A local live-price check is more useful than relying on a universal weekday rule.

Does filling up in the morning save money?

Gasoline is stored in underground tanks where temperature changes are smaller than the air-temperature changes above ground.

For ordinary drivers, purchasing gasoline early in the morning is unlikely to create a meaningful, repeatable saving.

The station price and driving distance matter far more.

Should drivers fill the tank completely?

The answer depends on price expectations, convenience, and cash flow.

A full tank reduces the need for another stop and provides greater flexibility.

Buying only a small amount may make sense when:

• a lower-priced station is available soon;

• the driver cannot afford a full purchase;

• prices are expected to decline.

Trying to predict short-term pump prices precisely is difficult.

Drivers should not risk running out of fuel for a small possible saving.

How to reduce the amount of gasoline used

Finding a cheaper station addresses the price per gallon.

Reducing consumption addresses the number of gallons purchased.

Both affect total spending.

Maintain proper tire pressure

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can reduce efficiency.

Drivers should use the recommended pressure printed on the vehicle information label, normally found in the driver-side door area, rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself.

Pressure should be checked when tires are cold.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking

Rapid acceleration requires more energy.

Hard braking wastes momentum that the engine used fuel to create.

Smooth acceleration and anticipation of traffic can improve efficiency and reduce mechanical wear.

Reduce unnecessary idling

An idling engine burns fuel without moving the vehicle.

Modern vehicles generally do not require prolonged warm-up under ordinary conditions.

Drivers should follow manufacturer instructions, especially in extreme weather.

Combine errands

Several short trips from a cold start may use more fuel than one organized route.

Combining errands reduces:

• total mileage;

• cold-engine operation;

• repeated parking and acceleration.

Remove unnecessary weight

Carrying heavy equipment or cargo increases the energy required to move the vehicle.

The effect is especially relevant for smaller cars.

Removing items that are not needed can modestly improve efficiency.

Reduce aerodynamic drag

Roof boxes, racks, and cargo can increase wind resistance, particularly at highway speeds.

Removing them when not in use may improve fuel economy.

Use the correct motor oil

Drivers should follow the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity and specifications.

The wrong oil may affect efficiency or engine protection.

Maintain the vehicle

Problems involving:

• oxygen sensors;

• spark plugs;

• fuel systems;

• filters;

• brakes;

• wheel alignment

can reduce efficiency.

A warning light should not be ignored.

Plan for traffic

Navigation applications can help avoid congestion, construction, and unnecessary detours.

Saving several miles usually produces a larger benefit than driving across town to save a few cents per gallon.

Use air conditioning sensibly

Air conditioning requires energy.

Opening windows can increase aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.

The most efficient choice depends on the vehicle, weather, and speed.

Comfort and safety should remain priorities.

Do start-stop systems save fuel?

Automatic start-stop systems shut down the engine during certain stops and restart it when the driver moves.

They are designed to reduce idling.

Drivers should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and should not repeatedly turn a conventional engine off manually in situations where doing so could create safety or mechanical concerns.

Calculate the real saving

Drivers can calculate the value of a lower price using a simple formula:

Price difference × gallons purchased = gross saving

Example:

A nearby station charges $4.09 per gallon.

Another station charges $3.99.

The difference is 10 cents.

Buying 12 gallons saves:

$0.10 × 12 = $1.20

That saving is worthwhile when the cheaper station is close or already on the route.

It may disappear if reaching the station requires significant extra driving.

Fuel economy matters more as prices rise

At $4.10 per gallon:

• a vehicle using 500 gallons annually costs about $2,050 for fuel;

• a vehicle using 750 gallons costs about $3,075;

• a vehicle using 1,000 gallons costs about $4,100.

Improving driving efficiency by even 5% can therefore produce a meaningful annual saving.

The saving becomes larger for:

• long-distance commuters;

• delivery workers;

• ride-hailing drivers;

• owners of large vehicles;

• households with multiple cars.

Frequently asked questions

What determines gasoline prices?

The major components are crude oil, refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes. Local competition and operating costs also influence the final station price.

What was the U.S. national average in late July 2026?

AAA’s latest available reading dated July 28 placed regular gasoline at approximately $4.10 per gallon.

Why did gas prices rise in July 2026?

AAA linked the increase primarily to higher crude-oil prices and instability affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Why is gasoline cheaper in some states?

Differences involve taxes, refinery access, pipelines, fuel specifications, transportation costs, and local competition.

Why is California gasoline expensive?

California combines relatively high taxes and fees with specialized fuel requirements, limited connections to other fuel markets, and dependence on a constrained regional refining system.

What is the federal gasoline tax?

The federal charge is 18.4 cents per gallon.

How much do state taxes add?

The EIA reported that state gasoline taxes and fees averaged 33.55 cents per gallon in January 2026, although the amount varies substantially.

Why do stations across the street from each other charge different prices?

They may have different wholesale contracts, rents, traffic, operating costs, brands, delivery schedules, and business strategies.

Is premium gasoline better for every vehicle?

No. Drivers should use the octane grade required or recommended by the manufacturer.

Does premium improve fuel economy?

Not necessarily. A vehicle designed for regular fuel generally does not receive a meaningful benefit simply because premium is more expensive.

Why is the credit price higher?

Stations may charge more to cover payment-processing fees.

Are warehouse-club stations always cheaper?

They are often competitive, but membership fees, distance, and waiting time should be considered.

Do gas prices always rise in summer?

They often rise because of more expensive summer fuel and increased driving demand, but crude-oil events and other disruptions can alter the pattern.

Can refinery maintenance increase prices?

Yes. Reduced production can tighten regional supply even when crude prices remain stable.

Does the president set gasoline prices?

No. Government policies can influence supply and costs, but ordinary retail prices are primarily determined by global oil markets, refining, taxes, distribution, and local competition.

Is one day of the week always cheapest?

No universal day guarantees the lowest price. Live local comparisons are more reliable.

Is it worth driving farther for cheaper gas?

Only when the total saving exceeds the fuel, time, and vehicle costs of the additional journey.

How can drivers save the most?

The strongest combination is usually:

• comparing nearby prices;

• using rewards that do not encourage unnecessary spending;

• avoiding premium unless required;

• maintaining the vehicle;

• combining trips;

• reducing aggressive driving and idling.

Final analysis

The number displayed outside a gas station is the final result of a long and complicated supply chain.

It begins with crude oil produced and traded in a global market.

The crude must be transported, refined into gasoline, blended to meet regional requirements, moved to terminals, delivered by truck, taxed, and sold through a local business with its own costs and competitors.

That is why gasoline prices can rise nationwide after an international oil disruption while still varying significantly from state to state and station to station.

The strongest forces behind national changes are usually crude oil and refining conditions.

The strongest forces behind local differences include:

• taxes;

• special fuel requirements;

• transportation;

• competition;

• property costs;

• payment method;

• retail strategy.

Drivers cannot control OPEC decisions, refinery outages, hurricanes, international conflicts, or state tax systems.

They can control where they purchase fuel, how far they drive to obtain a discount, which grade they use, whether they benefit from loyalty programs, and how efficiently they operate their vehicles.

The best strategy is not to pursue the lowest advertised price at any cost.

It is to minimize the total cost of driving.

That usually means checking current local prices, selecting a reasonably convenient station, understanding the conditions attached to discounts, maintaining the vehicle, and reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Gas prices will continue changing.

A driver who understands why they change is in a much stronger position than one who simply reacts to the nearest sign.