National Gas Prices Inch Up Slightly Amid Regional Fluctuations and Refinery Disruptions
The national average gas price rose slightly by 0.3 cents this past week, reaching $3.08 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data. Despite the uptick, prices are down 10.8 cents from a month ago and 4.7 cents lower than a year ago. Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy noted that gas prices continue to vary widely by region, with increases in Ohio and Michigan, decreases in Indiana and Delaware, and expected rises on the West Coast following a refinery fire near Los Angeles. While OPEC agreed to boost oil production, regional supply issues remain the dominant factor. As of October 6, EIA data shows regional averages of $2.98 on the East Coast, $2.93 in the Midwest, $2.72 in the Gulf Coast, $3.06 in the Rocky Mountains, and $4.23 on the West Coast. The cheapest gas can be found in Oklahoma at $2.59 per gallon, followed by Mississippi and Arkansas.
National Gas Prices Hold Steady as Regional Variations Persist Across the U.S.
As of October 6, 2025, the U.S. national average gas price stood at $3.08 per gallon, rising slightly by 0.3 cents over the past week but still down 10.8 cents from a month ago and 4.7 cents year-over-year, according to GasBuddy. Regional trends varied: the East Coast averaged $2.98, the Midwest $2.93, the Gulf Coast $2.72, the Rocky Mountains $3.06, and the West Coast remained the most expensive at $4.23. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan noted significant regional variation, with prices climbing in Ohio and Michigan, falling in Indiana and Delaware, and expected increases on the West Coast following a refinery fire near Los Angeles. Despite OPEC’s plans to boost oil output in November, most regions should see stable or slightly lower prices. Oklahoma continued to offer the nation’s cheapest gas at $2.59 per gallon, followed by Mississippi and Arkansas.
Used-Vehicle Inventory Hits 2025 High as Sales Ease and Prices Edge Up
Used-vehicle inventory levels climbed to their highest point of 2025 at the start of October, with dealers nationwide holding 2.26 million used vehicles — a 3% rise from September and 10% higher than a year ago, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data. Despite this increase, retail used-vehicle sales slowed by over 5% month over month, totaling 1.42 million units in September compared to 1.50 million in August. The slowdown followed a period of strong demand earlier in the year, yet overall sales remain robust — 7% higher than last year — as buyers continue turning to used vehicles for more affordable options amid high new-car prices.