Fuel savings platform GasBuddy projects the national average price for a gallon of gasoline at $3.75 on July 4 — marking the second most expensive Fourth of July holiday on record ever for gas prices, only behind the $4.80 per gallon all-time high on July 4, 2022.
The projection comes despite several weeks of of the national average gas price declining following a spring spike driven by the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Recent United States-Iran framework for an agreement to end military action against the Middle Eastern nation helped ease supply fears and pull prices lower, but the accord remains fragile and risks to the upside are significant.
However, with U.S. Department of Treasury authorizing the sale of oil by Iran, oil prices recently fell below $70 per barrel of crude oil, which could help consumers see lower prices faster, with global inventories benefitting from the additional oil.
“Six weeks of declines sounds like good news, and in some ways it is, but the context matters,” said GasBuddy chief of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan in a June 24 press release, adding the agreement between Iran and the United States gave markets hope, but it’s being tested. “Any breakdown in those talks could reverse the recent relief quickly,” De Haan said. “Drivers should use every tool available to find the lowest prices near them before filling up.”
The projected $3.75 per gallon price at the pump for this Fourth of July is a dramatic improvement from the $4.57 per gallon on average peak in May, but it’s still roughly 65 cents more than the July 4, 2025, price of $3.10 per gallon and nearly $1 higher than where gas prices began this year.
It’s also a stark reminder for how significantly the Strait of Hormuz closure reshaped the price environment for 2026.
Americans will spend hundreds of millions more on gasoline this July 4 holiday weekend compared with last year.
July 4 average national gas prices during the past 5 years:
- 2021: $3.12 per gallon.
- 2022: $4.80 per gallon (record high).
- 2023: $3.46 per gallon.
- 2024: $3.49 per gallon.
- 2025: $3.10 per gallon.
- 2026: ~$3.75 per gallon (projected).
GasBuddy recommends drivers use the GasBuddy app to shop around for the best prices and save money on summer road trips, especially near state lines where prices can vary drastically.
The mobile app is available on Google Play for Android devices and The App Store for Apple devices.
Drivers also can sign up for a Pay with GasBuddy+ membership to save a guaranteed 3 cents per gallon on every fill-up and up to 33 cents when combined with Deal Alerts.
Visit the GasBuddy website for additional information.
GasBuddy is owned and operated by PDI Technologies. It offers industry-leading real-time fuel price data, rewards and discounts that go farther than gas, reshaping everyday savings and mobility.
The platform also connects top brands with millions of digitally engaged consumers — wherever the road takes them.
Learn more at the GasBuddy website.
