Gas Prices Today April 18, 2026 — State-by-State National Average
Today’s national average gas price is updated for April 18, 2026. See which states have the cheapest and most expensive gas right now.
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Gas prices for April 18, 2026 — updated with the latest AAA and GasBuddy data. Here’s what Americans are paying at the pump today, broken down by state, grade, and region.
Gas Prices by Grade — National Average
| Grade | Today | Week Ago | Month Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (87) | $3.42 | $3.38 | $3.29 |
| Mid-Grade (89) | $3.78 | $3.74 | $3.65 |
| Premium (93) | $4.12 | $4.08 | $3.98 |
| Diesel | $3.89 | $3.85 | $3.72 |
Cheapest Gas States Right Now
| Rank | State | Regular Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | $2.89 |
| 2 | Louisiana | $2.92 |
| 3 | Texas | $2.95 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $2.97 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $2.99 |
Most Expensive Gas States
| State | Regular Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $4.89 | +$1.47 |
| Hawaii | $4.72 | +$1.30 |
| Washington | $4.18 | +$0.76 |
| Nevada | $4.05 | +$0.63 |
| Oregon | $3.98 | +$0.56 |
Why Are Gas Prices Rising/Falling?
Gas prices are influenced by: crude oil futures (NYMEX WTI), regional refinery capacity, state taxes (California adds $0.57/gallon in taxes alone), seasonal demand (summer blend costs more to produce), and geopolitical events affecting global supply.
How to Save on Gas
- Use GasBuddy app to find cheapest station within 5 miles
- Fill up on Tuesday or Wednesday — statistically the cheapest days
- Join Costco or Sam’s Club — members save $0.15-$0.25/gallon typically
- Use grocery store loyalty cards (Kroger, Safeway) for fuel points
- Credit cards: Citi Custom Cash and Discover It give 5% back on gas