As 2025 begins, U.S. gasoline prices are on the rise, with the national average increasing by 4 cents to reflect the highest weekly climb in months, driven by oil prices surging to nearly $74 per barrel due to optimism about China's economic policy shifts. While the national average briefly dipped below $3 per gallon recently, experts predict a continued slight increase at the pump in the coming weeks. Despite the uptick, prices remain 2 cents lower than this time last year. Regional averages as of January 6 show the West Coast leading at $3.79 and the Gulf Coast lowest at $2.65, with the Midwest experiencing the steepest weekly growth at 6 cents. Oklahoma currently boasts the cheapest gas at $2.56, while South Carolina dropped out of the top 10 cheapest states after a price increase to $2.82.