Gas Prices Are Dropping. These States Are Seeing the Biggest Relief

Gas prices are starting to come down after a month-long escalation following the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

The national average gas price rose to $4.11 per gallon on April 15, according to the AAA Auto Club. That figure is down from a national average of $4.16 one week ago on April 8.

“Modest gas price decreases in many states, should see less increases, national average $4.09/gal while diesel has seen a slight decline to $5.60/gal,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in an April 15 post. “I think most price cycling states could see slight drops as oil prices hold in the low $90s.”

De Haan said some markets could see further decreases this week with more states beginning to switch over to summer gasoline blends, which are generally a little cheaper due to lower production costs.

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What Causes Variance in State Gas Prices?

Regional differences in gas prices can be explained by several factors, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:

• Differences in state and local gas taxes
• Distance from supply
• Supply disruptions
• Retail competition and operating costs
• Environmental programs

“Retail gasoline prices tend to be higher the further gasoline must be transported to the point of sale because transportation costs are higher,” the agency said.

“Anything that slows or stops gasoline production can result in increased bidding for available gasoline supplies,” the agency added. “Prices at gasoline stations are often highest in locations with fewer gasoline stations.”

Which States Have the Biggest Declines in Gas Prices?

The USA TODAY Cars Team examined which states had the biggest decline in pump prices in the past seven days, according to the AAA Auto Club:

1. Indiana — down 25 cents, from $4.13 to $3.88 per gallon
2. Michigan — down 16 cents, from $4.08 to $3.92 per gallon
3. Ohio — down 13 cents, from $3.93 to $3.80 per gallon
4. Virginia — down 10 cents, from $4.07 to $3.97 per gallon
5. Texas — down 10 cents, from $3.86 to $3.76 per gallon

Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY.