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U.S. Gas Prices Drop Below $3 Average for First Time Since 2021

Cheaper crude from abundant supply has pulled pump prices down.

Overview

  • AAA puts the national average at $2.998 on Dec. 2, the lowest since May 2021, while GasBuddy reports about $2.95 with a $2.83 median.
  • More than 30 states now average under $3; Oklahoma is near $2.40 and California is around $4.56, with a handful of stations reporting sub‑$2 prices.
  • Weekly declines total roughly 6–9 cents nationally, with outsized drops in Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; Michigan’s average is $2.96.
  • Analysts link the slide to lower oil prices, robust refinery runs, U.S. output near record highs and a seasonal demand lull, with added barrels from OPEC.
  • Diesel remains higher at about $3.72 per gallon, and experts expect continued downward pressure into the holiday period barring major disruptions.