See where gas prices have fallen most ahead of summer travel season

A steep decline in gasoline prices helped drive the inflation rate in the U.S. down this past month, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index.

Gas prices dropped by 7.1% from April to May, according to a release from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, helping to cool the stubborn inflation that’s been dragging on U.S. consumers.

As the summer driving season kicks off, lower pump prices should be a welcome respite for inflation-weary consumers, assuming the trend holds — a big assumption given what’s expected to be a busy hurricane season combined with continued geopolitical unrest.

“Gasoline demand has trailed 2023 for most of this year, and analysts believe economic uncertainty may suppress demand this summer,” said Andrew Gross, a spokesman for AAA. Crude oil prices, which factor into what drivers pay at the pump, have fallen nearly $10 since April.

AAA data shows that, as of June 14, gas prices have dropped by an average of 16 cents per gallon compared to a year ago. The average nationwide cost for a gallon of gas is currently $3.459.

Utah is seeing the steepest decline, with a 68.6 cent decrease compared to last year. The average cost of a gallon of regular on Friday was $3.449 in the state, down from $4.135 a year ago.

Western states like Arizona, California, Washington, Idaho and Oregon saw decreases of more than 30 cents.

“The West Coast is America’s hotspot for fast-falling fuel prices, with six of the states with the biggest gas price drops found in this region,” Fred Harrington, CEO of coupon site Bountii, told Newsweek.

Washington State had the highest gas prices in the continental U.S. this time last year, with an average of $4.832 per gallon. Drivers there are now filling up their tanks for $4.366, a nearly 50 cent decreased from a year ago.

The most expensive gas is, as usual, in Hawaii, where the gallon average is at $4.76, slightly higher than this time last year.

In addition to Hawaii, Pennsylvania ($3.661 vs $3.653), Maryland ($3.543 vs $3.446), Delaware ($3.462 vs $3.396), Virginia ($3.344 vs $3.326) and Georgia ($3.299 vs $3.268) all saw slight increases in prices in June 2024 compared to June 2023.

“The South is the worst spot for rising fuel prices, as three of the top four states for gas price increases are situated here,” Harrington said.

Even with a faster rise, southern states are typically where drivers can find the cheapest gas. Mississippi continues to see the cheapest pump prices in the country, currently at $2.939 per gallon on average, down slightly from $2.993 a year ago.

“This drop in pump prices appears to have some sticking power for now,” Gross said. “More states should see their averages dip below $3 a gallon in the coming weeks.”

Beyond regular grade, premium and diesel are seeing drops as well.

“Diesel prices have dropped more on average across the country than any other fuel type,” said Harrington. “Motorists nationwide now pay around $0.173 less for a gallon of diesel, while regular, midgrade, and premium all costs $0.166, $0.130, and $0.106 less, respectively.”