US Gasoline Average Hits 4.47 Dollars per Gallon
The national average for regular gasoline reached 4.47 dollars per gallon on Friday. This figure stands just 9 cents below the 2026 seasonal high of 4.56 dollars.
The national average for regular gasoline reached 4.47 dollars per gallon on Friday. This figure stands just 9 cents below the 2026 seasonal high of 4.56 dollars set in May. Prices have risen more than 40 cents in the past month. The increase from a year ago exceeds 1.25 dollars per gallon.
Energy economist Ed Hirs stated that nationwide prices could reach 5 dollars. Localized shortages may push prices to 6 or 7 dollars in specific markets. Hirs attributed this risk to reduced crude flows and refinery maintenance. The broader market remains disrupted by the war with Iran and other conflicts.
Crude Oil Holds Above 100 Dollars
Brent crude settled around 104.87 dollars per barrel on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate traded near 100.30 dollars. These levels reflect ongoing disruptions in the Middle East. Damage to Saudi infrastructure and shipping route issues continue to pressure the supply chain.
President Donald Trump expects fuel prices to fall once the war with Iran ends. Hirs argues the impact will persist for at least a year. He noted that production and refinery interruptions in the region will delay market normalization. The administration has already authorized the release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Diesel Prices Set New National Record
The national average for diesel reached 6.45 dollars per gallon on Friday. This marks a new record high for the fuel. Diesel costs are nearly 1 dollar higher than one month ago. The price is more than 2.70 dollars above the level from a year ago.
Diesel powers trucks, farm machinery, and construction equipment. The US Energy Information Administration cites tight global distillate supplies as the cause. Higher transportation costs will eventually filter into consumer goods prices. The EPA allowed an early switch to winter-grade gasoline to add supply, but Hirs calls the effect marginal.
Market Data From GN Auto Markets
The data cited in this report aligns with trends tracked by GN auto markets/energy: gasoline prices. The combination of geopolitical conflict and seasonal maintenance creates a perfect storm for fuel costs. Drivers should expect volatility in the coming months. The gap between current averages and all-time records remains narrow.
