Recent AAA data as of October 19, 2026, show the national regular gasoline average at approximately $4.30 per gallon, with North Carolina at $3.62 and Georgia at $3.74—the lowest state figures—while California exceeds $6.18. Elevated crude oil prices near $90–100 per barrel, combined with seasonal refinery maintenance and strong demand, have kept the national average more than $1 above year-ago levels. Regional price differentials driven by taxes, distribution costs, and Gulf Coast supply continue to produce wide state-level variation. Weekly EIA inventory reports and any shifts in crude benchmarks or hurricane-related disruptions represent the key near-term catalysts that could influence whether additional states move below the $3.75 threshold.