If you’re planning to fill up this weekend, you’ll want to know that gas prices are climbing, with the national average sitting at $4.55 per gallon as of May 7-8, 2026—up 25 cents for the second consecutive week. The cheapest places to fill up right now are in the South and Great Plains: Oklahoma leads at $3.98 per gallon, followed by Mississippi at $4.00, Louisiana and Arkansas at $4.02, and Nebraska at $4.08. That’s a savings of 57 cents per gallon compared to the national average, which matters significantly when filling a typical 15-gallon tank—saving over $8 per fill-up in Oklahoma versus the national average.
Meanwhile, coastal states face dramatically higher prices. California continues to lead the nation at $6.16 per gallon, nearly $2.50 more than Oklahoma. Washington ($5.76), Hawaii ($5.66), Oregon ($5.34), and Nevada ($5.23) round out the most expensive states. For consumers in these areas, the disparity underscores a broader reality: where you live—and where you choose to fill up—can have a substantial impact on your transportation costs.
Table of Contents
- Which States Have the Cheapest Gas This Weekend?
- The Most Expensive Gas Markets and Why Prices Spike
- Why Gas Prices Rose 25 Cents in a Single Week
- When to Buy Gas: The Sunday Advantage
- Membership Discounts That Actually Save Money
- Using GasBuddy to Find Real-Time Lowest Prices
- What’s Ahead for Gas Prices Before Summer
- Conclusion
Which States Have the Cheapest Gas This Weekend?
The South dominates the cheapest gas rankings, with five of the six lowest-priced states concentrated in the region or Great Plains. Oklahoma’s $3.98 per gallon represents the best deal for consumers nationwide, a significant advantage for anyone in that state. Mississippi and Louisiana both offer relief at roughly 55 cents below the national average, while Nebraska provides another sub-$4.10 option for Midwest drivers.
These price differences reflect regional refining capacity, transportation costs, and state fuel regulations. Southern states typically have easier access to Gulf Coast refineries and lower transportation costs to inland locations. A driver in Louisiana filling a 15-gallon tank would pay approximately $60.30, while that same fill-up costs $82.35 in California—a $22 difference on a single tank. For consumers making frequent cross-state trips, these price gaps create real opportunities for savings by planning strategically.
The Most Expensive Gas Markets and Why Prices Spike
California’s $6.16 per gallon price tag represents more than just a regional anomaly—it reflects unique state regulations and supply constraints. The state requires cleaner-burning fuel blends that fewer refineries can produce, limiting supply and driving up costs. Washington and Hawaii face similar supply challenges, with Hawaii’s island geography adding significant transportation costs to every gallon delivered.
A critical limitation when comparing state prices is that you cannot always simply cross a state line to save money. Road trips specifically to fill up in cheaper states rarely make economic sense—the gas cost and time spent driving to Oklahoma to fill up won’t offset the savings for most drivers outside the region. Additionally, these price differences can shift weekly based on crude oil costs, supply disruptions, and seasonal demand changes. Consumers checking prices today should understand these represent a snapshot in time, not a permanent advantage for any given location.
Why Gas Prices Rose 25 Cents in a Single Week
The rapid price increase reflects broader geopolitical pressures on global oil markets. Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoints—has contributed directly to price volatility. According to reporting on the situation, U.S. gas prices have risen 50 percent since the conflict began, with additional increases possible before memorial Day travel season kicks in.
For consumers, this timing creates pressure precisely when driving season accelerates. Memorial Day weekend typically sees increased travel demand, which normally pushes prices higher on its own. The combination of geopolitical risk premiums and seasonal demand means prices could climb further in the coming weeks. Anyone planning extended road trips should consider filling up sooner rather than later, though this calculation depends on individual circumstances and how soon the trip occurs.
When to Buy Gas: The Sunday Advantage
Real data shows that gas is cheapest on Sundays—the best day of the week to fill up—while prices peak mid-week from Wednesday through Friday. For consumers with flexible schedules, timing your fill-up for a Sunday rather than a Thursday could mean paying 10-15 cents less per gallon at the same station. Over a 15-gallon fill-up, that’s $1.50 to $2.25 in weekly savings, or roughly $100 to $150 annually if you consistently fill up on Sundays. The tradeoff is convenience.
Most people fill up when they need gas, not when the calendar shows the cheapest day. Weekend fill-ups also depend on your driving patterns and schedule flexibility. For delivery drivers, commuters with set routes, or anyone doing weekly trips, timing fill-ups for Sunday simply isn’t practical. The cost of driving out of your way to a cheaper station likely exceeds any per-gallon savings. Understanding the Sunday price advantage works best for those with flexibility or for planning regular trips strategically.
Membership Discounts That Actually Save Money
Major retailers have created loyalty programs that directly reduce pump prices. Amazon Prime members save 10 cents per gallon at participating Shell stations, with an additional Fuel Up Fridays promotion running through May 29 offering 20 cents per gallon off on Fridays. Walmart+ members save 10 cents per gallon at 13,000 participating Murphy USA locations nationwide. For someone buying 15 gallons weekly, the Amazon Prime Friday discount saves $3.00 per fill-up, or about $60 monthly during the promotional period.
The limitation is that membership discounts only work at partner stations, and availability varies by location. You might find the discounted station inconvenient compared to your regular pump. Additionally, these programs require existing Walmart+ or Amazon Prime memberships—adding a membership solely for gas savings likely doesn’t make financial sense for most drivers. The best approach is using these discounts if you already subscribe to these services, not signing up specifically for fuel savings.
Using GasBuddy to Find Real-Time Lowest Prices
The GasBuddy app provides real-time crowdsourced pricing information, allowing you to find the cheapest stations near your location before you drive. Rather than guessing or stopping at the nearest pump, you can map out savings in advance. If you’re commuting through multiple towns or planning a road trip, GasBuddy shows price differences by station and updated times, helping you identify which stations are actually worth your time.
The tool works best in urban and suburban areas with good station coverage, though rural areas have fewer options regardless. For someone in Oklahoma with multiple $3.98 stations nearby, GasBuddy confirms you’re already at the best available price. For a California driver, it shows which stations offer 20-cent differences, potentially saving $3 on a fill-up compared to a nearby expensive pump.
What’s Ahead for Gas Prices Before Summer
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel season, and historical patterns show prices typically rise during this period. Combined with ongoing geopolitical pressures from the Strait of Hormuz situation, additional price increases remain possible. Energy analysts suggest the $4.55 national average could move higher as vacation season approaches and crude oil supplies respond to global events.
For consumers planning summer road trips or regular commutes, these coming weeks represent a transition period. Those with flexibility might consider completing major fill-ups before further increases occur. However, predicting gas prices remains notoriously difficult—prices could stabilize or even decline if crude supplies expand or geopolitical tensions ease. The safest approach is focusing on the tactics under your control: timing fill-ups for Sunday, using available membership discounts, and checking GasBuddy to ensure you’re not overpaying at nearby stations.
Conclusion
The cheapest gas this weekend remains in Southern and Great Plains states, with Oklahoma at $3.98 per gallon offering the best national price. For consumers in expensive coastal markets, this 57-cent-per-gallon difference translates to real savings—over $8 per tank. The cost pressures driving continued price increases stem from global oil market pressures centered on the Strait of Hormuz, and additional increases may occur before Memorial Day travel season peaks.
Your best strategies for managing fuel costs involve timing, tools, and membership benefits. Fill up on Sundays when prices are lowest, use GasBuddy to confirm you’re not overpaying at nearby stations, and activate membership discounts if you’re already an Amazon Prime or Walmart+ subscriber. While individual drivers can’t control global crude oil prices, understanding weekly price patterns and using real-time pricing data puts you in a position to make smarter decisions at the pump.