On May 10, 2025, the average Pennsylvania gas prices crossed the state’s typical mark at $3.290 per gallon. This is a swipe away from the constant erratic nature of the former U.S fuel prices that are dictated by the movement within international oil markets. Not to mention, due to the disruptions of the supply chain and economic policies as well.
Although the price of gas is going up for Pennsylvania motorists, the average across the country is still slightly below, at $3.139 per gallon. Therefore, to control their fuel bills, everyone must be active in responding to these economic pressures. So, keep abreast of PA gas prices today, find out the variables behind their rise, and get tips to survive their impact.
Source: AAA Fuel Prices
Pennsylvania Gas Price Highlights
Effective May 10, 2025, drivers in Pennsylvania are paying $3.290 per gallon, which is slightly higher than the national average for the United States at $3.145. This price is also 15.1 cents greater than the state average in January 2025, where this average was $3.196.
Prices in Pennsylvania range from a low of $3.08 in East Stroudsburg to a high of $3.55 in Pittsburgh on 10th May, 2025. In other neighboring areas of the state, the gas price range is as follows, including how much more or less it is than the Pennsylvania average of 10 May, 2025:
- Harrisburg: $3.221/g (6.9 cents more).
- York: $3.275/g (1.5 cents less).
- Altoona: $3.387/g (9.7 cents more).
Source: AAA Fuel Prices
Gas Prices in Perspective
Though the average gas prices increased in Pennsylvania to $3.309/g on 8th May, 2025, it’s still less than the cost a year ago, which was $3.79/g. Here’s more to the Pennsylvania gas price perspective, including its average price in May over 10 years:
| Date | Price ($/gallon) |
| May 5, 2024 | $3.79 |
| May 5, 2023 | $3.69 |
| May 5, 2022 | $4.45 |
| May 5, 2021 | $3.03 |
| May 5, 2020 | $1.97 |
| May 5, 2019 | $3.04 |
| May 5, 2018 | $3.01 |
| May 5, 2017 | $2.61 |
| May 5, 2016 | $2.40 |
| May 5, 2015 | $2.78 |
National Trends Over the Last Decade
The gas prices in Pennsylvania mentioned in the above section indicate that there are causes behind this gradual rise and fall. The following are the leading variables that have shaped the gas price trend in the state over the last ten years:
Crude oil prices crashed in 2014 because of overproduction by U.S. fracking and OPEC’s refusal to cut it, which triggered a price war. Its consequences continued in 2015, shrinking the overall cost of gas in the US, including in Pennsylvania.
The mean price of gas in the state in May 2016 was $2.40 per gallon, which was substantially lower than in May 2015. The low price of crude at that point continued due to its high availability from U.S. shale oil fields and the high production levels set by OPEC. In May 2017, gas was $2.61 per gallon in Pennsylvania, as U.S. fracking kept supply high, but OPEC cuts kept prices from falling further.
By May 2018, prices rose to $3.01 with strong demand and OPEC cuts, though U.S. shale limited big spikes. In May 2019, gas hit $3.04 in Pennsylvania, with balanced supply from U.S. shale and OPEC cuts, though tariffs and Iran sanctions caused some price swings.
By May 2020, gas prices dropped to $1.97 in the state, the lowest, due to COVID lockdowns cutting demand and storage shortages pushing oil prices negative. Gas prices soared to $3.03 in May 2021, when demand increased in parallel with vaccination efforts, but still below pre-COVID levels.
May 2022 went up to a ceiling of $4.45 per gallon in Pennsylvania due to increased travel following COVID and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Following that, gas prices dropped to $3.69 in-state in May 2023 as a result of stabilized markets. But high supply constraints and sustained demand ensured that the costs remained high despite the price decline.
Prices in May 2024 indicated a mild growth to $3.79 owing to regional geopolitical instability, the OPEC+ oil production strategy, and the U.S. refineries’ maintenance schedule. However, the US’s all-time record production of oil helped tame price surges. In May 2025, the prices are decreasing in the state, but they’re still higher than the national average.
Why Are Prices Increasing?
Other than the global and national factors that increase average PA gas prices above the national average, there are several local factors involved as well. We’ve explained them in detail:
Higher State Taxes and Fees
Pennsylvania has some of the highest gas taxes in the country, with a state excise tax of about 58 cents per gallon. This is only second to California and makes gas much more expensive compared to states with lower taxes, like Mississippi.
In addition, the gas cost includes extra environmental and infrastructure fees. Pennsylvania has about 1.1 cents for the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTI) fund, and $2.99 in indirect Oil Company Franchise Tax (OCFT) costs. It also features 18.4 cents in federal tax.
Supply Chain, Refinery, and Economic Challenges
Pennsylvania depends on refineries far away, like in the Midwest and the Gulf Coast, so any issues there can delay supply. It also costs more to transport fuel to the state, adding to prices. Philadelphia-area refineries sometimes have operational problems as well, reducing local supply.
Also, reformulated gasoline (RFG), needed in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, adds 20–30 cents per gallon compared to regular fuel. Higher travel demand, such as from Memorial Day to Labor Day, pushes gas prices up. Inflation and rising costs in wages, transportation, and refining are also passed on to consumers.
Seasonal and Regional Demand Spikes
In spring, refineries switch to more expensive summer gasoline (required for air quality), which temporarily raises prices. For instance, gas prices in Pennsylvania, especially in the western part, went up in April 2025.
This was mainly because of the switch to more costly summer gasoline and maintenance at refineries. Furthermore, the price hike is also because of regional demands, like higher demand in tourist areas, e.g., Pittsburgh and Erie drive prices above the state average.
Market Volatility and External Factors
Crude oil prices have risen above $85 per barrel in mid-2025 due to China’s economic recovery and OPEC+ production cuts. This drives up gas prices in Pennsylvania, as they closely follow changes in crude oil costs.
Geopolitical tensions, like sanctions on Russian oil and conflicts in the Middle East, have also kept crude prices high, affecting states like Pennsylvania more. Also, proposed U.S. tariffs on imports, such as Canadian crude, could disrupt supply chains, though some exemptions are in place.
What Does This Mean for You?
Though gas prices in Pennsylvania are going down in May 2025, you never know, they might rise soon. If that happens, here’s what you can do to minimize expenses:
- Gas Prices Near Me: Use apps like GasBuddy, Waze, or AAA to find the lowest price of gasoline in your vicinity. Usually, different gas stations have different prices in the same city. Thus, the cost per gallon may fluctuate by 20-50 cents in the same city.
- Optimize Vehicle Efficiency: Having proper tire pressure can help your car run more smoothly. One way you can help increase your vehicle’s gas mileage is to get rid of the extra junk in your trunk. Also, deploy cruise control on long drives; maintain a constant speed, as quick acceleration and hard braking burn much more gasoline.
- Plan Smarter Trips: Bundle up your errands to accomplish in one outing and avoid rush hour to cut the costs of gas caused by continual stops.
- Consider Fuel Rewards Programs: You will be able to get 5 cents to 20 cents off a gallon at Giant Eagle and Weis grocery store partner gas stations. Some credit cards will also help you make up for gas prices, such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Budget for Potential Price Spikes: During April to June, gas prices tend to rise to meet summer fuel needs, and refineries are under maintenance. If they rise, try carpooling, using public transit, or using apps that let you lock in gas prices.
- Calculate Your Potential Savings: Use a fuel savings calculator, like the one from Fuel Logic. It will show you how you can save costs by making small changes in the frequency of fueling, estimated gallons per fill, round trip per fueling, etc.
What’s Next for Pennsylvania Gas Prices?
Mid-April might have been the highest point for gas prices in Pennsylvania, as the prices are now headed down. Analysts observe that lower demand, coupled with additional OPEC+ production, has created downward pressure on prices. The average gas price on May 10, 2025, is $3.29 per gallon, however, the number has dropped from $3.38 per gallon as indicated one month before.
The U.S. Energy Department forecasts that gas prices will fall by 3% in 2025 and further by 6% in 2026 owing to reduced cost of oil and better fuel efficiency. Pennsylvania should follow this trend, but will likely stay above the national average because of higher taxes and local supply issues.
Gas prices in places such as Pittsburgh, the Western part of the West Pennsylvania, tend to be higher than those in other cities like Philadelphia in the east, due to higher refining and overhead costs. A 10% tariff from the U.S. imposed on Canada’s energy and a 25% tariff on Mexico may affect the supply chains and increase the refining costs.
The increased crude oil price could mean increased prices on gas. Exceeding the output of OPEC+ can help stabilize the price, but geopolitical crisis or even increased tariffs at the very end can drive prices higher. Besides, the projected closure of refineries, such as Phillips 66’s, Los Angeles, by the end of 2025 could reduce supply in the area, particularly along the West Coast. This may also impact Pennsylvania due to national market connections.
Source: U.S. retail gasoline prices
Key Takeaways
Pennsylvania gas prices have risen by 15.1 cents since January 2025, and now cost an average of $3.290 per gallon, higher than the nation’s $3.139. Some reasons behind the price spike include global petroleum troubles, OPEC+ restrictions, and local factors such as excessive taxes and a shortage of supply in the form of limited access to refineries.
Although gas costs are currently lower than the peak April in Pennsylvania, they could move again in the future. Drivers can gain an edge by regularly following prices using Fuel Logic, GasBuddy, or AAA. Timely planning of trips and fuel-economical driving habits can also reduce your total fuel use.
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FAQs
1. How much is gas in Pennsylvania right now?
As of May 10, 2025, Pennsylvania drivers shell out $3.290 at the pump for regular gas, 15.1 cents above the national average, according to evidence released by AAA. Though the gas prices vary across regions within the state, the highest gas price, that is, $3.55 per gallon, is recorded in Pittsburgh, whereas the lowest, $3.12 per gallon, is in Philadelphia.
2. Why is PA gas so expensive?
Pennsylvania is one of the states that has a high proportion of state taxation with regionally limited supply and increased costs of transportation. These are dominant factors in determining gas prices in any given state.
Other factors include the instability experienced recently in the global markets for oil production. U.S. sanctions on Russia and tariffs on Mexican and Canadian energy have been responsible for price variations as well. Moreover, limited access to nearby refineries may be responsible for the fluctuation in gas prices.
3. Which state has the lowest gas prices?
As of the latest update on May 10th, 2025, Mississippi is at the bottom at $2.64 per gallon, followed by Oklahoma at $2.72 and Texas at $2.73. These states provide lower taxes, higher volume of locally produced oil, and cheaper delivery alternatives.
4. Is gas cheaper in PA or Ohio?
As of May 10, 2025, gas prices are more in Pennsylvania ($3.29) than in Ohio ($2.99). Lower fuel levies and proximity to Midwest refineries contribute to cheaper gas in Ohio than in Pennsylvania, where a much higher tax rate and the costs to transport the product also add to more expensive gas.
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