While you may be able to cancel or limit some travel, gas is a must for most Americans except those who live in large cities with public transportation.
Even as a driver of an electric car with a small backup tank, I still find myself watching prices at the gas station. On long trips, especially when charging options are limited, refueling is inevitable, making fuel rewards even more meaningful for a wide range of drivers.
Only about 8% of Americans drive all-electric vehicles, according to Edmunds.
A June 2025 WalletHub survey showed Americans are worried about gas prices.
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Tariffs hinder economic development: 48% of Americans say tariffs on everyday items would prevent them from driving.
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Penniless after the pump: 69% of Americans think gas prices are too high.
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Gas inflation hits harder: Nearly a fifth said high oil prices were worse than food inflation.
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High demand for Gas rewards: More than four-fifths of Americans prefer earning rewards on gas over other travel purchases.
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Demand for gas-only cards: Nearly one-third of Americans have a credit card just for gas.
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A recipe for disaster: Sixty-four percent said the combination of $4 gas, high inflation and tariffs would destroy their finances.
Costco and its credit card partner Citibank want to help ease the pain.
Costco is offering some members additional gas subsidies.Shutterstock · Shutterstock
The average price of regular gasoline on Jan. 15 was $2.84 per gallon, according to AAA.
“The national average price per gallon of regular gasoline has increased a few cents since last week to $2.84. Drivers are still paying less than last year, when the national average price for gasoline was $3.08. Gasoline prices are typically lower in January due to lower natural gas demand and lower winter blend prices,” AAA said.
On January 19, the price dropped slightly to $2.82.
“Gasoline demand increased last week (week ended January 15) from 8.17 million barrels per day to 8.3 million barrels per day. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 242 million barrels to 251 million barrels. Gasoline production increased last week to average 9 million barrels per day, according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
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National average price on January 15: $2.84
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One week ago: $2.81
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One month ago: $2.90
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One year ago: $3.08
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national topThe 10 most expensive markets for gasoline They are Hawaii ($4.40), California ($4.21), Washington ($3.79), Alaska ($3.47), Nevada ($3.35), Oregon ($3.33), Washington, D.C. ($3.10), Pennsylvania ($3.01), Michigan ($2.99) and Vermont ($2.99).
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national Top 10 cheapest gas markets They are Oklahoma ($2.32), Texas ($2.42), Kansas ($2.42), Mississippi ($2.43), Louisiana ($2.43), Arkansas ($2.45), Missouri ($2.46), Wyoming ($2.49), Alabama ($2.50) and Iowa ($2.50).
Source: AAA
