RVers and other motorists planning Fourth of July road trips are getting some welcome relief at the gas pump after weeks of steadily declining fuel prices.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen to about $3.86, down roughly 53 cents from a month ago. While prices remain higher than they were a year ago, they are well below the record levels seen during the summer of 2022.
The recent decline follows lower crude oil prices after easing tensions in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. As oil prices have fallen, retail gasoline prices have gradually followed.
The timing is good news for RV owners, as AAA expects a record 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home during the July 4 holiday period. About 61.4 million of them are expected to drive, making highways and campgrounds especially busy. Roughly 15% of them are expected to travel with an RV.
Fuel prices vary across country
Fuel prices still vary widely across the country. States along the West Coast, including California, Washington and Oregon, continue to post some of the nation’s highest prices, while many Southern and Midwestern states remain significantly cheaper.
AAA recommends motorists take a few simple steps to stretch their fuel budget, including checking tire pressure, avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking, removing unnecessary weight from vehicles, and using apps to compare fuel prices along their route.
For RVers towing trailers or driving motorhomes, even modest savings per gallon can make a noticeable difference over a long trip. Filling up in lower-priced states when possible and avoiding unnecessary idling can also help reduce fuel costs.
Although gas prices have been falling, analysts caution that geopolitical events or disruptions in oil markets could quickly reverse the trend. For now, however, travelers heading out for the holiday are likely to find the lowest pump prices in several weeks.
RELATED
- Higher gas prices could affect next year’s Social Security COLA
- U.S.–Iran ceasefire talk hasn’t lowered fuel prices much. Here’s why
- Gas prices start their seasonal climb as spring travel nears
- State fuel taxes inch higher in 2026
- RVers hit harder as diesel climbs past gasoline again. What you can do
RVT1268b
Hallelujah, a positive article. Fuel prices will drop even more. Travel and enjoy USA, the greatest nation on earth. Beautiful scenery, unique natural resources. Happy 250th.