Gas prices: Slight increase at the pumps for the second consecutive day

Gas prices rose again on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day the average cost for a gallon of regular gas in the nation increased.

On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas increased to $3.445, a very slight increase from the prior day. Wednesday’s pricing was a slight decrease from a week ago when gas cost $3.455 per gallon. This was also less expensive than a month ago when the national average price for regular gas was $3.521 per gallon. 

Gas prices remain a vital topic heading into the 2024 presidential election. With President Joe Biden deciding not to seek reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic presidential nominee, will have to indicate how she will address the country’s high gas prices and energy costs and how both affect the economy and people’s finances.

While prices have fluctuated in 2024, they have decreased in recent weeks and months. Nevertheless, gas prices remain significantly higher than when former President Donald Trump was in office.

Gas prices vary significantly among states. To see how expensive gas is in each state, click here. Here are the gas prices for a gallon of regular-grade gas in and around Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Washington, D.C., is much higher than the national average. On Wednesday, drivers in Washington paid an average of $3.68 per gallon. This was a decrease from the day before, when it cost $3.698. Wednesday’s price slightly cheaper than a week ago when it cost $3.691. It is also less than the cost of regular gas a month ago, when it was $3.709 for a gallon of gas in the district.

Maryland

Gas prices slightly decreased in Maryland on Wednesday, when the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.426. This was a drop from Tuesday, when it cost $3.45 per gallon. This is less expensive than a week ago, when the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.488. This is also less expensive than the price for gas a month ago, when it cost $3.573 per gallon for regular gas.

Virginia

On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Virginia was $3.336. This was cheaper than the price on Tuesday when gas was $3.34. Both prices are less expensive than a week ago, when the cost for a gallon of regular gas was $3.362. However, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Virginia on Wednesday was over ten cents cheaper than a month ago, when it cost $3.466.

Delaware

Residents of Delaware paid $3.352 for a gallon of regular gas on Wednesday. This was a decrease from Tuesday’s pricing of $3.383 per gallon. It’s also cheaper than the price for a gallon of regular gas from a week ago, when people in the First State were paying $3.425 per gallon. Additionally, all of these prices are less expensive than a month ago, when Delaware residents paid $3.507 per gallon for regular gas.

Hawaii

Hawaii is the state with the highest gas prices in the country. However, this has been a recent development after California held this distinction for most of 2024. On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.667. This was a slight increase from Tuesday’s price. A week ago, gas in the Aloha State was $4.676, and a month ago, it was $4.687.

Mississippi

Mississippi has the least expensive gas prices in the nation, continuing a monthslong trend in 2024. On Wednesday, the average gallon of regular gas cost $2.965. This is a slight increase from a week ago when gas was $2.963. A month ago, gas in Mississippi was slightly over $3 a gallon, coming in at $3.005. Today, Mississippi is the only state in the nation with an average price for regular gas under $3.