Gas Prices Surge in All 50 States as National Average Nears $5

Gas prices are climbing in every state across the U.S., with the national average hitting $4.46 per gallon as of May 4, up from $4.11 a week earlier, according to AAA.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported sharp spikes in the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, while diesel prices surged to new records, touching $6 per gallon in some areas.

De Haan attributed the volatility to markets digesting OPEC+'s plan to increase production in June and President Trump's proposal to free stranded ships. He warned that while localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist.

The price at the pump is largely driven by crude oil costs (51%), followed by refining (20%), taxes (18%), and distribution and marketing (20%), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

California has the highest average gas price at $6.11 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.67, Hawaii at $5.64, Oregon at $5.25, and Nevada at $5.18.

Oklahoma offers the cheapest gas at $3.89 per gallon, with Kansas at $3.96, Arkansas at $3.90, Georgia at $3.86, and North Dakota at $4.00.