Marina Lyubimova
⬤ Gas prices across the United States fell again this week reaching $3.00 per gallon nationwide - the lowest level since 2021. New data from AAA shows prices declining in all areas, with more states now reporting prices in the upper and mid-$2 range. The updated pricing map shows a broad decrease in retail fuel costs as early winter demand patterns set in.
⬤ AAA's dashboard lists the national average at exactly $3.001 as of December 1st. The map divides into distinct zones - Southern besides Midwestern states have the cheapest fuel, with prices between $2.40 and $2.66 per gallon. Many of the Mountain West or Upper Midwest ranges from $2.77 to $3.00. The Northeast next to West Coast remain higher, with some areas above $3.20. Those regional differences stem from variations in refining capacity shipping logistics plus state taxes.
President Trump stated again that he wants fuel costs to fall below $2.00 per gallon.
⬤ That $2.00 level has not been reached since the pandemic suppressed global demand in 2020. While current prices are well below mid year peaks, no state has yet approached the sub-$2 mark. Industry observers point out that even with stable crude prices refining margins and global supply conditions maintain a floor under what Americans pay at the pump.
⬤ The national drop to $3.00 arrives as markets monitor every change in energy costs. Lower gas prices usually affect consumer spending, transportation budgets and inflation data - all elements that shape broader commodity sentiment. With the national average now at three dollars but also multiple regions moving even lower upcoming economic reports may show some easing of cost pressures. The key question for early 2025 is whether this decline persists or if geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand shifts restore volatility to US energy markets.
Marina Lyubimova
