Gas Prices Drop to 4-Year Low Ahead of Thanksgiving

Gas in 30 states is now below $3 a gallon, with the first sightings of gas priced at less than $2 a gallon in Oklahoma.

A man puts gas at a gas station in Elkridge, Md., on Nov. 12, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Americans can add gas prices to the things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. According to a Nov. 26 report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the cost to fuel up vehicles has dipped below $3 a gallon in more than 30 states.

Just one day earlier, GasBuddy reported the first sightings of gas priced under $2 a gallon in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where fuel was selling for $1.99 a gallon on Nov. 24.

“It’s pretty compelling to see gas prices this low, falling ahead of Thanksgiving, and it signals what more Americans could experience in the coming months,” Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis, said in the report. “Lower seasonal demand, falling oil prices, and rising OPEC output are all pushing prices down.”

De Haan noted the prices at this level may continue to fluctuate, but stations in more affordable states such as Texas, Mississippi, and others in the Gulf region may be following that lead before the typical spring price hikes.

According to the report, declining oil prices and additional output from refineries are helping to lower the costs at the pump. GasBuddy noted that West Texas Intermediate crude oil recently traded for nearly $58 per barrel—a sharp decline from prices earlier in 2025 and the lowest in years. As a result, there has been a seasonal decline in retail prices, particularly in the South.

In a Nov. 24 blog, GasBuddy noted that the most common gas price across the nation was at $2.99 per gallon. The top 10 percent of stations in the United States have been averaging $4.40 per gallon, while the bottom 10 percent have been charging an average of $2.40 per gallon.

In addition to Oklahoma, other states offering the nation’s lowest gas prices include Mississippi and Louisiana at $2.53 and $2.55, respectively. Conversely, California, Hawaii, and Washington are home to some of the highest gas prices—all above $4 per gallon.

Last week, AAA projected that nearly 82 million people would be traveling at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period, ending Dec. 1. The auto club noted that this year, there would be 1.6 million extra travelers compared with Thanksgiving 2024. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been the busiest holiday for travel compared with others like Memorial Day or July 4.

“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, AAA vice president of travel, said in a company statement.

“People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”

AAA attributes the additional number of cars on the road this year to some air travelers making alternative plans due to recent flight cancellations.

Some of the most popular destinations include Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

For those taking to the highways this weekend and for the December holidays, GasBuddy recommends drivers shop around for the best gas prices along their route, using apps like GasBuddy. It also offers a membership program with rewards at the pump and convenience stores.