National Gas Prices Slip Below $4 for the First Time Since July
Posted Nov. 10, 2026 10:40AM ET read more Washington Post
Drivers received some welcome relief at the pump Tuesday as the national average price of gasoline fell to $3.97 per gallon. According to AAA data, this marks the first time prices have dropped below $4 since July, offering a modest break for household budgets and commuters.
Gas Prices Fall Below $4 Nationwide for the First Time Since July
The national average price of gasoline fell to $3.97 per gallon Tuesday, dropping below the $4 mark for the first time since July, according to data from AAA.
The decline offers modest relief to drivers who have faced elevated fuel costs in recent months. Even a small change in the price of gasoline can affect household budgets, commuting expenses and the operating costs of businesses that rely on vehicles.
Gas prices vary significantly by state and region, depending on factors such as local taxes, refinery capacity, transportation costs and seasonal demand. Prices can also change quickly in response to fluctuations in crude oil markets and disruptions across the fuel supply chain.
The national average is calculated from prices reported at stations across the country, meaning individual drivers may pay considerably more or less than $3.97 per gallon. Motorists in states with higher fuel taxes or limited refining capacity generally see higher prices, while those in areas with lower taxes and closer access to refineries may pay less.
The move below $4 marks a notable shift from earlier in the year, when gasoline prices remained above that level nationwide. For consumers, the decrease could provide some additional room in monthly budgets, particularly for people with long commutes or larger vehicles.
Drivers should continue to monitor local prices, as pump costs can change from day to day. The national average may also rise or fall depending on crude oil prices, seasonal travel patterns and broader developments affecting fuel production and distribution.
Leave a Reply