RV Travel readers who have delayed filling up their tanks in hopes of lower fuel prices may want to rethink their strategy. After several weeks of declines, gasoline prices have reversed course and are beginning to climb again across much of the United States.
On Thursday, the national average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline was $3.846.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline increased in the past week as higher crude oil prices and seasonal summer demand push pump prices upward. The increase comes after motorists enjoyed a brief stretch of falling prices leading up to the Independence Day holiday.
While the latest increase is modest, it could be the start of a broader upward trend if oil prices continue to rise. Renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven crude oil prices higher, raising concerns that gasoline prices could continue increasing through the heart of the summer travel season.
For RV owners, even a small jump at the pump can add significantly to the cost of a trip. A large motorhome with a 100-gallon fuel tank costs about $10 more to fill when gasoline rises by just 10 cents a gallon. Owners of gasoline-powered Class A and Class C motorhomes, as well as tow vehicles pulling travel trailers and fifth wheels, will feel the impact most.
AAA says California continues to have the nation’s highest average gasoline prices, while many Gulf Coast and Southern states remain among the least expensive places to buy fuel.
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($5.46), California ($5.38), Washington ($4.99), Alaska ($4.69), Nevada ($4.55), Oregon ($4.53), New York ($4.06), Illinois ($4.05), Washington, DC ($4.05), and Idaho ($3.99).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Indiana ($3.21), Oklahoma ($3.40), Texas ($3.41), Mississippi ($3.43), Kentucky ($3.45), Tennessee ($3.46), Louisiana ($3.46), Arkansas ($3.47), Kansas ($3.47), and Iowa ($3.48).
Fuel analysts say motorists should expect continued price volatility through the remainder of the summer. Refinery operations, hurricane activity, crude oil markets and international events all have the potential to send prices higher with little warning.
The national average remains below the record levels seen in 2022, but drivers are once again paying more than they were just days ago, ending the brief period of relief at the pump.
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RVT1269b
That AAA chart shows gasoline at an all time high in 2022. Is that right?
Yes, the national average was $5.02/gal. in June 2022, but some regional prices were much higher. Have a good evening/night, Bob. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you for the news, RV Travel. Guess we are consigning RV #2 just in time. Our last drive in it is scheduled for Monday; 158 miles to National Indoor RV, Nashville (Lebanon, Tennesses). Have a few months to await our reception of RV #3.
I was surprised to see Idaho on the list of highest priced states. We just passed through there on our way to Montana and filled up at $3.19 a gallon. Over a dollar and a half less than WA.