The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline decreased for the ninth consecutive day, dropping to $4.02 per gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA. This marks a slight decline from $4.022 on Tuesday and a 7-cent decrease from last Thursday, when prices averaged $4.09 per gallon. The decline follows a period of volatility driven by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which began on February 28, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Central Atlantic region prices also fell, reaching $4.03 per gallon on Monday, down from $4.09 the previous week, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, saw prices rise 17 cents since March but remain 0.5% below the national average of $4.04 per gallon.
Analysts attribute the recent declines to market speculation about the duration of the Iran war’s impact on oil flows, with Patrick De Haan noting that traders are pricing in short-term volatility but not a long-term shutdown. However, another 20-30 cent increase per gallon is still possible in the coming weeks. The EIA reports that Central Atlantic prices ranged from $2.88 (January 26, 2026) to $4.09 (April 13, 2026), while the national average was 29% lower a year ago at $3.12 per gallon.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that $3-per-gallon prices may not return soon, stating they could persist into 2027. However, President Donald Trump disagreed, predicting a near-term decline. The recent decreases followed a peak of $4.16 per gallon on April 9, with prices now 8 cents lower than a month ago when they stood at $3.942 per gallon.