Particle.news

Download on the App Store

U.S. Gasoline Prices Drop to Lowest Fourth of July Level Since 2021

Robust oil output with easing Middle East tensions has driven the national pump average to its cheapest early July mark in four years as California enacts modest tax plus low-carbon fuel charges.

Overview

  • The national average price for regular gasoline stood at about $3.18 per gallon on July 2, marking the lowest holiday rate since 2021.
  • Gulf Coast states report pump prices below $2.80 per gallon while California averages have risen above $4.50 following higher state levies.
  • California’s gas excise tax rose by 1.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon on July 1 and University of California, Davis research estimates new low-carbon fuel rules will add only 5 to 8 cents.
  • De-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict combined with strong U.S. shale and OPEC+ supplies has kept inventories ample and prices contained.
  • GasBuddy analysis indicates a sub-$3 national average could materialize later this summer if geopolitical risks remain low and no major hurricanes develop.