Gas prices have reached new heights in recent weeks thanks to the war in Iran raising the cost of crude oil. By now, we’re all used to seeing $4 and $5 on the sign at the gas station. But there’s been a little bit of relief in the last week, thankfully, as the average price of gas has actually decreased. Let’s see how gas prices today compare to last week — and last year — based on fuel prices reported by AAA.
National Average Gas Prices
The AAA fuel price tracker is updated daily, so you know the data is up-to-date. On April 16, 2026, the national average price of regular gasoline was $4.09. That’s down from yesterday’s average of $4.11, and down from the average one week ago of $4.17.
Want to guess how much the national average was a month ago, before the war in Iran started? It was $3.72. One year ago, it was just $3.17. Those were the days.
If you’re driving a diesel truck, the pain at the pump is even worse. The current national average is $5.61, compared to $3.59 a year ago. But hey, at least it’s gone down from $5.69 a week ago as well.
States Where Gas Prices Decreased the Most
The tracker also shows gas price data by state. On April 16, California had the highest priced gas at $5.86, while Oklahoma had the lowest at $3.44 per gallon.
While prices are coming down across the board, the states with the highest gas prices aren’t necessarily the same states that saw the largest drop in prices over the last week. Here’s where gas prices for regular gasoline have decreased the most in the last week. (We’re pretty envious.)
- Indiana
Current gas price: $3.86
Gas price one week ago: $4.13
Total decrease: 27 cents - Michigan
Current gas price: $3.90
Gas price one week ago: $4.06
Total decrease: 16 cents - Ohio
Current gas price: $3.78
Gas price one week ago: $3.93
Total decrease: 15 cents - Texas
Current gas price: $3.74
Gas price one week ago: $3.87
Total decrease: 13 cents - Virginia
Current gas price: $3.95
Gas price one week ago: $4.06
Total decrease: 11 cents
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- Oil Hits $100 a Barrel — Here Comes Another Gas Price Jump — The price at the pump is creeping up like never before, and, surprise, surprise, it’s American drivers footing the bill.
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