We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Expensive Is Gasoline in the US?

During the week of 13 August 2012, the average cost of a gallon (3.79 L) of gasoline in the United States was $3.72 US Dollars (USD). The lowest gasoline prices in the US were near the Gulf Coast, where gas averaged $3.48 USD per gallon (3.79 L). Gasoline was most expensive on the West Coast, with the average gallon (3.79 L) of gas costing $3.94 USD.

More about the price of gasoline:

  • The cost of gasoline is inexpensive compared with the cost of other liquids. A popular brand of bottled water, for example, was selling for $10.83 USD per gallon (3.79 L) in 2012. Coffee from some major coffeehouses cost $18.88 USD per gallon (3.79 L).

  • As of June 2012, most of the price of gasoline — about 62% — was based on the cost of the oil used to make it.

  • West Coast gasoline prices are skewed by the cost of gas in California. The average price of gas on the West Coast when California is not included was $3.69 (USD) per gallon (3.79 L) during the week of 13 August 2012.

Lainie Petersen
By Lainie Petersen , Former Writer
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.

Discussion Comments

By anon286516 — On Aug 21, 2012

The question should be is why is gas so expensive? It went up 40 cents a gallon in three or four weeks in western Pennsylvania.

Lainie Petersen

Lainie Petersen

Former Writer

Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an...
Learn more
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.