Gasoline prices continued to ease across the United States on Oct. 31, but the national average remained above $4 a gallon. Regular unleaded cost $4.18 per gallon, according to AAA.
The average declined 9 cents over the previous week and 25 cents from a month earlier. Prices have dropped by several cents a day in recent days, but the national average has not fallen below $4 per gallon since late July.
Oil prices are limiting the decline
Crude oil prices remained above $100 per barrel, slowing the drop in pump prices. The report attributed the elevated oil costs in part to the ongoing war in Iran and instability along the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipments.
That combination has kept the national average well above the levels reached earlier in the year. The latest decline gives drivers some relief compared with September, but prices continue to vary sharply by state.
| State | Regular gasoline price |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $3.397 |
| Georgia | $3.590 |
| Texas | $3.663 |
| California | $5.911 |
| Hawaii | $5.665 |
State prices remain far apart
North Carolina had the lowest average among the states listed, at $3.397 per gallon. Georgia followed at $3.590, while Texas averaged $3.663. South Carolina and Louisiana also were among the five least expensive states, at $3.681 and $3.723, respectively.
California recorded the highest average at $5.911 per gallon. Hawaii was next at $5.665, followed by Nevada at $5.244, Washington at $5.212 and Oregon at $4.802.
- The national regular-gas average was $4.18 per gallon on Oct. 31.
- Prices were down 9 cents in a week and 25 cents in a month.
- Crude oil remained above $100 per barrel, limiting how quickly pump prices could fall.
