Full Breakdown
Thanksgiving Gas Prices Reach Lowest Levels Since Pandemic
11/27/2025, 4:18:22 AM
Current Gas Price Landscape
As Thanksgiving approaches, gas prices in the United States are at their lowest levels since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is approximately $3.07, slightly higher than last year’s average of $3.06, according to AAA data. However, this marks a significant decrease compared to previous Thanksgiving averages during the Biden administration, which were $3.49 in 2021, $3.80 in 2022, and $3.44 in 2023. Oklahoma boasts the lowest prices in the country at $2.50 per gallon, while California has the highest at $4.60 per gallon.
Factors Influencing Gas Prices
The decline in gas prices can be attributed to several factors. A notable drop in crude oil prices, which have decreased by about 17% since June, has contributed to lower fuel costs. The global benchmark price for Brent crude oil is currently around $63.40 per barrel. Additionally, the completion of refinery maintenance has allowed for increased fuel output, further alleviating price pressures. Patrick de Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that while demand typically rises during the Thanksgiving travel period, overall demand remains low this time of year, helping to keep prices down.
State-by-State Price Variations
Gas prices vary significantly across states. While Oklahoma leads with prices around $2.50 per gallon, states like California, Hawaii, and Washington report averages exceeding $4.00 per gallon. The White House has attributed the higher national average in part to policies in Democrat-led states, which they claim contribute to inflated prices. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers specifically criticized California's energy policies and high gas taxes, which are among the highest in the nation.
Criticism of Energy Policies
Critics of the current administration's energy policies argue that Democrat-led states are exacerbating the national average gas prices. The White House has pointed to California Governor Gavin Newsom's environmental regulations as detrimental to fuel prices, with estimates suggesting that compliance costs add significantly to the price per gallon. Conversely, states with Republican governors, such as Oklahoma and Mississippi, report some of the lowest gas prices in the country.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, experts predict that gas prices may continue to decline as additional refineries complete maintenance and winter demand typically eases. De Haan forecasts that prices could potentially fall below $3 per gallon in the coming weeks, which would further benefit travelers during the Christmas holiday season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Crossing state lines – that’s a danger zone for gas prices,” — Patrick de Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy
- “Democrat-led states like California, Hawaii, and Washington that have carried on with Joe Biden’s failed energy policies are dragging the national average of gas prices up,” — Taylor Rogers, White House Spokeswoman
- “As we get closer to Christmas, I think the news will continue to improve with gas prices potentially falling below $3 per gallon in the next few weeks,” — Patrick de Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy
This Thanksgiving, as nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, the relatively low gas prices provide a welcome relief compared to the volatility seen in previous years.
