Gas prices in the U.S. have seen slight declines recently, with the national average at $3.04 per gallon, just 1 cent lower than last year, according to EIA data. While demand remains seasonally weak, rising oil prices and upcoming refinery maintenance could lead to higher prices in the spring, as noted by GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan. Regional gas prices vary, with the Gulf Coast being the lowest at $2.66 and the West Coast the highest at $3.81. Oklahoma and Mississippi continue to lead as the cheapest states for gas, with prices at $2.58 and $2.63 respectively. Currently, 28 states have average gas prices below $3, up slightly from 27 states recently.