The 2026 Global Gas Prices Report [Countries & U.S. State-by-State Breakdown]

Every year, Zutobi conducts an extensive study of global gas price trends. This year, our summer report offers timely insights, particularly relevant for the vacation season. Fuel prices fluctuate for various reasons, including supply and demand, geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and unexpected events such as the recent global pandemic. Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date information for new drivers and seasoned motorists alike.

We have examined gas prices in over 170 countries to determine where drivers get the best fuel value for their money. Additionally, we provide historic data on the increase and decrease of petrol prices and the rates of these fluctuations.

U.S. Fuel Report

Gas prices continued their downward trend across the United States in 2026, providing welcome relief to drivers. The national average stands at $2.81 per gallon, down from $3.09 per gallon in 2025, a decrease of 9.12%. This marks a significant shift from the volatility experienced in previous years. This decrease is attributed to reduced travel, moderated consumer spending, and a growing number of drivers opting for electric or hybrid vehicles.

The states with the cheapest gas

1 – Oklahoma: $2.31 per gallon

Oklahoma takes the top spot this year with the nation’s lowest gas prices. The state offers fuel at $2.31 per gallon, 12 cents cheaper than the next closest states, marking a significant decrease from the previous year.

2 – Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Louisiana & Texas: $2.43 per gallon

Multiple states share second place at $2.43 per gallon. Arkansas has maintained its position near the top, while Kansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas all offer relatively low gas prices and welcome visitors with affordable fuel.

The states with the most expensive gas

1 – Hawaii: $4.41 per gallon

Hawaii tops the list with an average price of $4.41 per gallon. Despite a slight decrease from $4.53 per gallon last year, the state maintains the nation’s highest fuel costs.

2 – California: $4.20 per gallon

California holds second place with an average fuel price of $4.20 per gallon. The state saw a decrease from $4.45 per gallon last year.

3 – Washington: $3.81 per gallon

Washington maintains third place with an average gas price of $3.81 per gallon, down from $3.93 per gallon last year.

Gas price changes in America

Gas prices, like other consumer products, have fluctuated over the years, with a steady overall increase over the decades. Major historic events, such as The Great Depression, various wars, oil gluts, and the recent global pandemic, have significantly impacted global gas prices.

In 2006, the average price per gallon was $1.86. As of 2026, this has increased to $2.81 per gallon, reflecting a substantial rise of $0.95 or 51.16%. However, this year, petrol prices have decreased by 9.12% due to a combination of factors, including reduced demand, increased production, and shifts in consumer behavior towards more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.

States with the biggest decrease in gas prices

1 – Wisconsin

2006 Price: $1.86 per gallon

2025 Price: $2.94 per gallon

2026 Price: $2.48 per gallon

2025/2026 decrease: 15.78%

20-year increase: 33.26%

In 2006, the price of gas in Wisconsin was $1.86 per gallon. By 2025, it had risen to $2.94 per gallon. However, in 2026, the price has decreased to $2.48 per gallon, a significant drop of 15.78%. Despite this, prices in Wisconsin have still increased by 33.26% over the last two decades.

2 – Iowa

2006 Price: $1.80 per gallon

2025 Price: $2.92 per gallon

2026 Price: $2.47 per gallon

2025/2026 decrease: 15.16%

20-year increase: 37.47%

Iowa saw gas prices at $1.80 per gallon in 2006. These prices peaked at $2.92 per gallon in 2025 but have since fallen to $2.47 per gallon in 2026, representing a 15.16% decrease. Over the last 20 years, Iowa has seen a 37.47% increase in gas prices.

3 – Oklahoma

2006 Price: $1.80 per gallon

2025 Price: $2.72 per gallon

2026 Price: $2.31 per gallon

2025/2026 decrease: 14.77%

20-year increase: 28.63%

In 2006, gas in Oklahoma was $1.80 per gallon. The price rose to $2.72 per gallon in 2025 but decreased to $2.31 per gallon in 2026, a 14.77% decrease. This reflects a 28.63% increase over the past 20 years.

States with the biggest change in gas prices

1 – Alaska

2006 Price: $2.08 per gallon

2025 Price: $3.30 per gallon

2026 Price: $3.45 per gallon

2025/2026 increase: 4.54%

20-year increase: 66.06%

Alaska experienced the only increase in gas prices over the past year. In 2006, the price per gallon was $2.08. By 2025, it had increased to $3.30, and in 2026, it further rose to $3.45 per gallon, a 4.54% increase over the past year. Over the last 20 years, Alaska’s gas prices have increased by 66.06%.

How far can you travel for $50 in each state?

The Ford F150 pickup truck, the most popular vehicle in U.S. history, serves as our benchmark for determining the maximum distance a driver can travel on $50 worth of fuel. The truck averages 25 miles per gallon.

In Oklahoma, which has the lowest fuel prices in the country, $50 can buy 21.61 gallons of gasoline, allowing you to travel 540.19 miles on average in an F150. Conversely, in Hawaii, the state with the most expensive gasoline prices, $50 will only get you 11.33 gallons, limiting the F150 range to 283.32 miles—a difference of nearly 257 miles from Oklahoma.

Global Gas Prices

The countries with the cheapest gas

1 – Libya: $0.13 per gallon of petrol

Libya tops the list of countries with the cheapest fuel. The North African nation has an average price per gallon of petrol at $0.13, tied with Iran. With Africa’s oil production remaining strong, the country continues to enjoy stable fuel prices.

2 – Iran: $0.13 per gallon of petrol

Iran also enjoys an extremely low petrol price of $0.13 per gallon. Centrally located near the Middle East and Asia, the country has an average price per gallon of petrol significantly less than the $2.01 per gallon price of the eighth country, Egypt.

3 – Venezuela: $0.16 per gallon of petrol

With the largest known reserves of crude oil in the world, Venezuela is in the top 3 of countries with the cheapest fuel. Drivers in the South American nation pay $0.16 per gallon.

The countries with the most expensive gas

1 – Hong Kong: $16.93 per gallon of petrol

Hong Kong ranks again at the top of the list with the highest petrol price on earth; one gallon purchased in the special administrative region costs $16.93. More than double the global average, this price is significantly more than the second most expensive country.

2 – Malawi: $13.02 per gallon of petrol

Moving up to second place, Malawi’s petrol prices are $13.02 per gallon.

3 – Netherlands: $10.81 per gallon of petrol

Netherlands holds its spot in third place, with prices averaging $10.81 per gallon. Fuel tax may be one of the key reasons for the high petrol cost.

Gas price changes across the globe

Countries with the biggest decrease in gas price

1 – Syria

2021 Price: $9.27 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $3.34 per gallon of petrol

5-year price decrease: 63.95%

In 2021, gas prices in Syria were $9.27 per gallon. By 2026, they have plummeted to $3.34 per gallon, an impressive decrease of 63.95%.

2 – Iran

2021 Price: $0.26 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $0.13 per gallon of petrol

5-year price decrease: 50.00%

Although not as drastic as Syria, Iran has also experienced a significant decrease in fuel costs in the last five years. With a drop of 50%, the country’s price went from $0.26 per gallon in 2021 to only $0.13 per gallon at present.

3 – Japan

2021 Price: $5.77 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $4.45 per gallon of petrol

5-year price decrease: 22.93%

Japan found its per gallon fuel costs tumbling to $4.45 this year from $5.77 per gallon just five years ago, representing a nearly 23% drop.

Countries with the biggest increase in gas price

1 – Malawi

2021 Price: $4.91 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $13.02 per gallon of petrol

5-year price increase: 164.94%

Malawi faced the highest gas price increase over the last five years with fuel prices more than doubling to $13.02 per gallon. Over the past 5 years the increase has been more than 164%.

2 – Dominica

2021 Price: $2.72 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $6.04 per gallon of petrol

5-year price increase: 121.70%

Gas prices in Dominica increased from $2.72 per gallon in 2021 to $6.04 per gallon in 2026, a 121.70% increase.

3 – Mongolia

2021 Price: $2.91 per gallon of petrol

2026 Price: $6.24 per gallon of petrol

5-year price increase: 114.38%

Mongolia’s gas prices more than doubled from $2.91 per gallon in 2021 to $6.24 per gallon in 2026, a 114.38% increase.

How far can you travel for $50 in every country?

Using the Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car on the planet, as our benchmark, we determined how far a driver can travel on $50 worth of fuel. The Corolla averages 44.8 miles per gallon.

Drivers in Libya can travel 17,597.54 miles on $50 worth of fuel, theoretically more than once around the entire world. In contrast, in Hong Kong, the country with the most expensive gas, $50 will only get you 132.35 miles. On average, globally, a driver can travel 724.20 miles on $50 worth of fuel in a Toyota Corolla.

Methodology

United States

• Regular unleaded gasoline, which is most popular in the United States, was used in this study.
• Current fuel prices came from https://gasprices.aaa.com and are accurate as of January 29, 2026.
• Historic gas prices for each state were sourced from https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/.
• The Ford F150 MPG was taken from https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2021&year2=2021&make=Ford&baseModel=F150&srchtyp=ymm
• To calculate the distance drivers can travel on $50, the number of gallons available for $50 was multiplied by the average miles per gallon of the vehicle.

Global

• Again, regular unleaded petrol was chosen as the type of fuel to study as it is the most common.
• All current fuel costs were sourced from global petrol prices, and are accurate as of January 29, 2026. https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/
• The same website was used for historic petrol prices. We used the wayback machine to see the archived petrol prices from January 29, 2026.
• The miles per gallon of the Toyota Corolla was found from Parkers.
• To calculate the distance drivers can travel on $50, the number of gallons available for $50 was multiplied by the average miles per gallon of the vehicle.

Previous Reports

2024 Gas Prices Report 

2023 Gas Prices Report 

2022 Gas Prices Report

2021 US Gas Prices Report

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