Gas prices across the United States continued their upward trend on Tuesday, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas reaching $3.469. This marked a notable increase of over two cents from the previous day’s average of $3.448, according to data from AAA. It was the second consecutive day of price hikes, reflecting ongoing volatility in the energy markets.
A week ago, consumers were paying slightly less at $3.44 per gallon, while a month ago, the price was notably higher at $3.599. Comparatively, a year ago heading into late June 2023, the average price for a gallon of regular gas stood at $3.574, indicating a fluctuating but generally increasing trend over the past year.
California maintained its position as the state with the highest gas prices in the nation, where consumers were shelling out $4.817 per gallon for regular gas. In contrast, Mississippi offered the cheapest gas prices at $2.929 per gallon, highlighting significant regional disparities in fuel costs across the country.
In Washington, D.C., the average price for a gallon of regular gas edged slightly lower to $3.661 on Tuesday, down from $3.666 the previous day. A week ago, prices were marginally higher at $3.667 per gallon, while a month ago, gas was pricier at $3.698 per gallon.
Moving to Virginia, motorists paid an average of $3.319 per gallon for regular-grade gas, a slight increase from $3.318 on Monday. This represented a decrease from the previous week’s $3.35 per gallon and a notable drop from the $3.466 per gallon recorded a month ago.
In Maryland, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.513, slightly lower than the $3.518 seen on Monday. Prices were also down from $3.572 a week ago and significantly lower than the $3.672 per gallon reported a month ago.
Delaware experienced a slight decrease in gas prices to $3.446 per gallon on Tuesday, down from $3.454 the day before. A week ago, prices stood at $3.499 per gallon, while a month ago, the cost was slightly higher at $3.529 per gallon.
Alaska reported an average price of $3.908 per gallon for regular-grade gas, a slight decline from $3.93 the previous day. Prices in Alaska have been gradually decreasing, with last week’s average at $3.933 per gallon and a notable drop from the $4.292 per gallon recorded a month ago.
Meanwhile, Hawaii recorded one of the highest gas prices in the nation at $4.708 per gallon, up slightly from $4.70 on Monday. A week ago, prices were slightly higher at $4.736 per gallon, while a month ago, consumers paid $4.788 per gallon in the Aloha State.
The fluctuating gas prices reflect ongoing market dynamics influenced by global oil supply and demand, geopolitical factors, and seasonal trends. As consumers navigate varying fuel costs across states, the outlook remains uncertain amid continued market volatility and geopolitical tensions impacting energy markets worldwide.