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State with the cheapest fuel also the only 1 to allow drinking while you drive

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 16:21 GMT by motorbiscuit
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Which U.S. State Boasts the Cheapest Fuel? A Deep Dive into the Latest Numbers

MotorBiscuit recently took a close look at a question that’s as old as the American road: “Where can you fill up for the lowest price?” The site’s “State with the Cheapest Fuel” feature—updated this week—breaks down the most recent data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and explains why the price of a gallon of gas can differ so dramatically from one state to another. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key take‑aways, with a little extra context from the linked resources the original article cites.

1. The Cheapest State for Gasoline: West Virginia

According to AAA’s latest “Fuel Prices by State” tracker, West Virginia has edged out every other state as the best place to buy gasoline. The average retail price per gallon sits at $2.78—about 25% lower than the national average of $3.68 (as of mid‑October 2024). The site notes that West Virginia’s advantage stems largely from its low state fuel taxes and relatively flat terrain, which keeps transportation costs down.

AAA’s “Fuel Prices by State” page provides an interactive map that lets users filter by gasoline, diesel, or gasoline + diesel, confirming West Virginia’s top spot for gasoline.

2. Diesel’s Cheapest Stop: Mississippi

While West Virginia steals the gasoline crown, Mississippi takes the lead when it comes to diesel. The average price for a gallon of diesel in Mississippi is $3.05, down about 19% from the national diesel average of $3.76. The article links to the EIA’s “Refinery & Products” dashboard, where users can see the same trend reflected across the last six months.

3. Other States With Notably Low Fuel Prices

The MotorBiscuit article lists a handful of other states that offer surprisingly cheap fuel:

Each of these states benefits from a combination of low taxes, proximity to refining hubs, or favorable interstate shipping corridors.

4. Why Fuel Prices Vary So Much

MotorBiscuit offers a succinct explanation for the price gaps: taxation and distribution costs. States with lower gasoline taxes (like West Virginia and Montana) naturally pass on those savings to consumers. Distribution costs are heavily influenced by a state’s geography—states with rugged terrain or a lack of major highways tend to see higher transportation costs per gallon. In addition, the article points out that the “fuel tax puzzle” has a major influence: for example, Kentucky’s high gasoline tax (over 70 cents per gallon) is the second-highest in the country, which pushes retail prices well above the national average.

Link to AAA’s “Fuel Tax Guide” in the original article gives a handy side‑by‑side comparison of each state’s fuel tax rates, from the federal excise tax to the state taxes that vary from state to state.

5. Trends Over Time

The article draws attention to recent shifts in fuel prices caused by global events. After the 2022‑2023 surge in gasoline prices—triggered by OPEC+ production cuts and the war in Ukraine—West Virginia and Mississippi managed to keep their prices low relative to the national average, thanks to a stable domestic supply chain and low transportation costs. However, the article cautions that these numbers are “fluctuating as supply and demand shift”, and suggests checking the AAA tracker frequently if you’re planning a long‑haul trip.

6. Practical Tips for Gas‑Conscious Riders

The article concludes with a quick “cheat sheet” for readers who want to maximize savings:

1. Use the AAA tracker before you hit the road – the most up‑to‑date numbers are posted every weekday.
2. Plan your route through low‑tax states – if you’re driving cross‑country, consider stopping in West Virginia or Mississippi for a quick fill‑up.
3. Avoid pumping at the airport or in large metropolitan centers – the price differential can be as high as 30–50% above the regional average.
4. Keep an eye on the EIA “Daily Gasoline Prices” – this data includes an “average price” and a “price range” that helps you gauge the volatility in your area.
5. Factor in fuel economy – if you’re traveling a long distance, a vehicle with a better mpg rating can offset a slightly higher price per gallon.

7. Where to Find More Data

The MotorBiscuit article does a good job of summarizing the numbers, but the original post also links to a handful of external resources that can help you dig deeper:

• AAA’s Fuel Prices by State: An interactive map that allows users to filter by fuel type and view the most recent data.
• EIA’s Fuel Dashboard: Includes daily and weekly price averages, along with a historical trend view.
• U.S. Treasury’s State Fuel Tax Chart: Gives the precise amount of excise tax each state levies on gasoline and diesel.
• U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highway Mileage Reports: Useful for understanding how distance from refining hubs can impact fuel cost.

Bottom Line

While fuel prices in the United States can swing wildly, a quick glance at the latest AAA and EIA data shows that West Virginia consistently leads as the cheapest place to buy gasoline, and Mississippi holds the title for diesel. Whether you’re a long‑haul trucker, a commuter, or a weekend biker, keeping an eye on these numbers can save you several dollars a month, and the linked resources from MotorBiscuit make it easy to stay on top of the latest trends. Happy riding—and happy saving!