Jump at the Pump as Pennsylvania Average Goes Up 65 Cents

Updated: Friday, March 13, 2026

Spring Break season is here as the Pennsylvania average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 65 cents since last month to $3.67. Current prices are similar to the spring of 2024. Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road. Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100/barrel mark multi-ple times in recent days.

This is the first time crude price exceed $100/barrel since the summer of 2022. That summer saw the highest PA average on record at $5.07/gallon on June 12, 2022, which is also the time of year when gasoline demand is highest.

To help offset rising prices, the U.S. announced it will release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves over four months. The move is part of a broader effort by the International Energy Agency to release a total of 400 million barrels of oil, the largest emergency release in its history.

The recent increase puts us on track to match spring break gas prices of 2024, when the PA average was in the $3.70-$3.90 range (similar to spring 2023). Springtime typically sees higher gas prices as gasoline demand rises and summer-blend gasoline production begins.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline de-mand increased last week from 8.29 million b/d to 9.24 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 253.1 million barrels to 249.5 million. Gasoline production in-creased last week, averaging 9.9 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $3.80 to settle at $87.25 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 3.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 443.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 2% below the five-year average for this time of year.

EV Charging

The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station went up by 2 cents this past week to 41 cents.

State Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.36), Hawaii ($4.76), Washington ($4.74), Nevada ($4.39), Oregon ($4.30), Arizona ($4.06), Alaska ($3.96), Florida ($3.71), Pennsylvania ($3.66), and Illinois ($3.66).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Kansas ($3.04), Oklahoma ($3.05), North Dakota ($3.09), Arkansas ($3.11), Missouri ($3.12), Mississippi ($3.16), South Dakota ($3.18), Kentucky ($3.19), Wisconsin ($3.21), and Iowa ($3.22).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (54 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), California (45 cents), New Jer-sey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and North Dakota (43 cents).

The nation’stop 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (31 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Iowa (33 cents), Maryland (33 cents), Utah (34 cents), Vermont (34 cents), South Dakota (34 cents), Delaware (36 cents), and Colorado (38 cents)

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel Planner.

Smart Ways to Save Money on Gas This Spring

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many drivers are looking for simple ways to stretch every tank a little further. The good news is that small changes in your driving habits and trip planning can add up to meaningful savings. Here are some smart, AAA‑approved strategies to help you keep more money in your pocket—whether you’re commuting, running errands, or gearing up for a Spring Break road trip.

1. Watch Your Speed

Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph for most vehicles. Once you push past that threshold, efficiency drops quickly. In fact, reducing highway speeds by just 5–10 mph can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. Slowing down isn’t just safer—it’s a direct boost to your wallet.

2. Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling burns more fuel than most people realize. A car engine can consume ¼ to ½ gallon of fuel per hour while idling, but restarting a warm engine uses only about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel. When it’s safe, turn off your engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute.

3. Regular vs. Premium: Know What You Need

Premium gas isn’t “better” unless your vehicle specifically requires it. If your owner’s manual says regular is recommended, that’s all you need. Choosing premium when it’s not required won’t improve performance or fuel economy—it just increases your fuel bill.

4. Lighten Your Load

Extra weight forces your engine to work harder. Clear out unnecessary items from your trunk, cargo area, or backseat. Even small reductions in weight can improve fuel efficiency over time.

5. Check Your Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires help your vehicle move more efficiently and reduce wear. Under‑inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means your engine burns more fuel. Follow the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door decal.

6. Plan Your Road Trip Wisely

A little preparation goes a long way. Mapping your route ahead of time helps you avoid unnecessary stops and detours. Packing water and snacks can also prevent impulse fast‑food spending along the way.

AAA offers two powerful tools to make planning even easier:

TripTik® Travel Planner

This free tool helps you find:

• Gas stations
• EV charging stations
• Hotels and campgrounds
• Restaurants
• Attractions
  …all along your route, keeping you on track and reducing extra miles.

AAA Gas Cost Calculator

Enter your vehicle’s make and model to estimate fuel costs for your trip. It’s a simple way to budget before you hit the road.

7. Take Advantage of Fuel Rewards

AAA members can save even more at the pump this Spring Break. By signing up for Shell Fuel Rewards® now through April 30, members get:

• 35¢/gallon off their first fill at participating Shell stations
• 10¢/gallon off every fill during the promotional period—an extra 5¢/gallon compared to the standard discount

It’s one of the easiest ways to stack savings on top of smart driving habits.

Small Changes, Big Savings

You don’t have to overhaul your entire driving routine to save money. A few mindful adjustments—slowing down, reducing idling, checking tire pressure, and planning ahead—can make a noticeable difference. Pair those habits with AAA’s travel tools and member discounts, and you’ll be set for a more efficient (and affordable) season on the road.