Is now a bad time to fill up?
Wait if you can. The latest weekly U.S. average is $4.284/gal (week of 2026-10-19), higher than 79% of the past 52 weeks (range $2.779–$4.500).
The year, best to worst
5 = best. ▶ marks this month.
Best windows
- January: On average -6.5% vs. the year's average price.
- February: On average -5.9% vs. the year's average price.
- December: On average -4.1% vs. the year's average price.
- March: On average -1.6% vs. the year's average price.
- November: On average -0.6% vs. the year's average price.
Worst windows
- May: On average +3.1% vs. the year's average price.
- June: On average +4.9% vs. the year's average price.
- July: On average +3.9% vs. the year's average price.
How we know
Weekly federal price data. The verdict compares this week's price to the past year.
- U.S. EIA weekly U.S. regular gasoline price, via FRED (series GASREGW): Weekly average U.S. retail price of regular gasoline, dollars per gallon.
- U.S. EIA, 'Gasoline price fluctuations': Gasoline prices often rise in spring and summer with higher demand, refinery maintenance and the switch to more expensive summer-grade gasoline.
Inputs: EIA weekly U.S. regular gasoline price (via FRED GASREGW), last 52 weeks.
Formula: percentile = share of the last 52 weeks priced below this week. Under 33% = Good, 33–67% = Meh, over 67% = Bad (our thresholds).
Result: 78.8th percentile → Bad.
Seasonal pattern (chart above): each month's average price vs. that year's average, 2016–2025:
| Month | Avg vs. year | Years |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6.5% | 10 |
| February | -5.9% | 10 |
| March | -1.6% | 10 |
| April | +0.6% | 10 |
| May | +3.1% | 10 |
| June | +4.9% | 10 |
| July | +3.9% | 10 |
| August | +2.4% | 10 |
| September | +2.5% | 10 |
| October | +1.7% | 10 |
| November | -0.6% | 10 |
| December | -4.1% | 10 |
EIA explains why prices often rise in spring and summer: more driving, refinery maintenance and pricier summer-blend gasoline. The verdict uses this week's price; the seasonal chart is context.
Last updated: page rebuilt October 26, 2026. Data status: fred: ok, last good October 26, 2026.
FAQ
When is the best time to fill up?
By our ranking: January, February, December, March, November. See "How we know" on this page for the sources and math.
When is the worst time to fill up?
By our ranking: May, June, July.
Should I drive across town to save a few cents?
Do the math: the drive costs gas too.