Average nationwide gas prices are projected to fall below $3 this year

GasBuddy projects the 2026 annual average U.S. gasoline price at $2.97 per gallon, down from $3.10 in 2025; it also forecasts average household gas spending of $2,083 for the year.

GasBuddy projects that the annual average U.S. price of unleaded gasoline will be $2.97 per gallon in 2026. That projection is 13 cents below the 2025 average of $3.10. The group calculated the yearly average by averaging monthly price ranges across all 12 months. The last year with a comparable low annual average was 2020, when the national average was $2.17 per gallon. Key points: - GasBuddy projects a 2026 national average gasoline price of $2.97 per gallon, versus $3.10 in 2025. - As of Tuesday, GasBuddy's real-time measure showed the national average at $2.79 per gallon. - GasBuddy projects average household gasoline spending for 2026 at $2,083, down from $2,715 in 2022. - Average nationwide diesel is projected at $3.55 per gallon for 2026, slightly below last year’s $3.62. - The group warned that prices can vary with seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, hurricane season and geopolitical risks. - The article cites recent events in Venezuela as an example of geopolitical risk and reports analysts saying changes there would be slow to affect U.S. pump prices. Summary: If GasBuddy’s projection holds, average pump prices and annual household spending on gasoline would be lower than in recent years. Variability remains possible because of seasonal patterns, refinery work and geopolitical events. Undetermined at this time.