US Gas Prices Fall, Diesel Tops $6 | Fuel News 6 Oct 2026

US fuel news round-up: 6 October 2026

After the most expensive September on record, US gas prices are finally heading the right way. The national average for regular has dropped about 11 cents in a week. That's welcome news, but it doesn't mean things are back to normal. Drivers are still paying more than $1.20 a gallon more than they were this time last year, and diesel is still above $6.

Here's what's moved at the pump, why, and what it means if you're hitting the road for the Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.

Gas prices drop after a record September

AAA put the national average for a gallon of regular at $4.37 on 5 October, down from $4.48 a week earlier. GasBuddy's survey, which uses different data, has it a little lower at $4.30, down 12.5 cents on the week.

For context, September's average was $4.33 a gallon, the highest September AAA has ever recorded. It beat the previous record from September 2023 by 50 cents.

A year ago the national average was $3.13. Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs about $65, roughly $18 more than it did last October.

US fuel prices this week

Here are AAA's national averages as of 5 October:

Regular: $4.37
Mid-grade: $4.86
Premium: $5.26
Diesel: $6.32
E85: $3.31

Diesel is still the big problem

Diesel set an all-time record of $6.53 a gallon on 22 September, according to AAA. It has eased a bit since then, and GasBuddy says it fell 14.2 cents last week, but it's still over $6.

Diesel has been hit harder than gasoline because global supplies of distillates are very tight. The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, damage to refineries in the Middle East and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have all played a part. US distillate stocks are running about 14% below their five-year average. That matters to everyone, not just people who drive diesel: higher trucking costs end up in the price of nearly everything in stores.

Cheapest and most expensive states for gas

There's a gap of more than $2.50 a gallon between the cheapest state and the priciest right now.

Cheapest (GasBuddy, 5 October):

Indiana: $3.74
Texas: under $4 (AAA had it at $3.94 last week)
Georgia: under $4 (AAA had it at $3.96 last week)

Most expensive (AAA, 1 October):

California: $6.40
Hawaii: $5.62
Washington: $5.49

Why prices are falling (for now)

Some of this week's drop is down to state governments cutting gas taxes rather than to the market:

Georgia has suspended its 33.3-cent gas tax until 29 October.
Ohio has brought in a 90-day holiday on gas and diesel taxes that runs to the end of the year.
Indiana has also suspended its gas tax, and Kentucky and Illinois have paused or cut theirs.

Ohio saw the biggest fall in the country last week, down 37.8 cents according to GasBuddy, with Georgia close behind at 34.5 cents. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, called it "not exactly the most organic decline".

The federal government is also releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Bids are due today (6 October) for up to 40 million barrels, the last part of a 172-million-barrel US contribution to a coordinated international release. Once it's done, the reserve will be at its lowest level since 1982. On top of that, G7 countries are releasing 100 million barrels over four months, aimed mainly at the diesel shortage.

What's happening with oil prices?

US crude (WTI) was trading at around $88 a barrel on 6 October, down almost 2% on the day. Brent, the international benchmark, was about $98. Both are well above where they were before the war with Iran started at the end of February.

Analysts warn that the relief might not last. Tight refinery capacity and ongoing trouble in the Middle East could push prices back up once the tax holidays and reserve releases run their course.

Driving this holiday weekend? How to save on gas

If you're taking a road trip over the long weekend on 12 October, these small things add up:

Check prices before you go. A gas price app will show you the cheapest stations along your route, and prices can vary a lot within a few miles.
Fill up before you cross a state line if the next state has higher taxes, or wait if you're heading into Georgia, Ohio or Indiana while their tax holidays last.
Use warehouse clubs and grocery rewards. Costco, Sam's Club and supermarket fuel points can knock several cents off every gallon.
Skip premium unless your owner's manual says you need it. It's costing about 89 cents a gallon more than regular right now.
Slow down a little. Fuel economy drops off quickly above 50 to 60 mph.
Check your tire pressure and clear out the trunk. Soft tires and extra weight both cost you miles per gallon.

Quick answers

What is the national average for gas today?
About $4.37 a gallon for regular, according to AAA (5 October 2026).

What is the average price of diesel in the US?
About $6.32 a gallon. The record is $6.53, set on 22 September 2026.

Which state has the cheapest gas?
Indiana, at around $3.74 a gallon.

Will gas prices keep going down?
Maybe for a few more weeks, thanks to state tax holidays and the reserve releases. Analysts warn prices could go back up because supply is still tight.

Sources

AAA – National average gas prices link
AAA – National average dips following record-setting September link
Nottingham MD – Gas prices fall in 48 states link
Newsweek – Map shows where gas prices are falling as states suspend fuel taxes link
EIA – US gasoline and diesel retail prices link
Forbes – Why diesel is on track to set a 2026 price record link
Rigzone – USA continues Strategic Petroleum Reserve release link
OilPrice.com – US taps Strategic Oil Reserve again as diesel tops $6 link
Rigzone – Brent once again toiling around $100 mark link

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We'll be back with the next fuel news round-up soon. Prices quoted are national averages and will vary by state and station.