The cheapest places to keep your tank full this winter.
Gas prices have quietly slipped into welcome territory this December. As of December 22, 2025, the national average sits at $2.86 per gallon, the lowest December price since 2020. Lower crude oil costs and the annual switch to winter blend fuel are doing most of the heavy lifting.
States near refineries and pipeline hubs are seeing the biggest payoff. The Gulf Coast, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions dominate the list, helped along by lighter fuel taxes and shorter delivery routes.
1. Oklahoma has the lowest average gas price in the nation.
Oklahoma takes the top spot with an average price of $2.32 per gallon, and locals are feeling the difference. Easy access to regional refineries keeps supply steady, while relatively low fuel taxes prevent prices from creeping upward even during holiday travel season.
Drivers across the state benefit from predictable pricing that rarely swings wildly. Long commutes, rural highways, and frequent road trips become far less stressful when fuel costs stay this manageable, especially during a month when travel expenses tend to pile up.
2. Arkansas continues its streak of affordable fuel.
Arkansas lands second with an average price of $2.43 per gallon. Its central location and efficient fuel distribution network help keep prices comfortably below the national average, even as demand fluctuates in late December.
For residents who rely on driving rather than public transit, these savings add up fast. Weekend getaways and family visits feel more spontaneous when filling up the tank does not require much planning or second guessing at the pump.
3. Iowa benefits from steady supply and low taxes.
Iowa drivers are paying about $2.46 per gallon, placing the state firmly among the cheapest in the country. Proximity to major pipelines and a consistent flow of fuel keep shortages rare and prices stable throughout the winter months.
Agricultural communities and small towns depend heavily on personal vehicles, making fuel affordability especially meaningful. Lower gas prices soften the cost of daily errands, long rural drives, and seasonal travel during an already busy time of year.
4. Colorado keeps prices low despite mountain terrain.
Colorado surprises some drivers with an average price of $2.47 per gallon. Strong regional refining capacity and efficient fuel transport help offset the challenges of elevation and winter weather.
Residents who commute along the Front Range or travel between mountain towns enjoy savings that feel significant. Even with holiday tourism increasing demand, prices remain steady enough to make winter driving feel less financially punishing.
5. Texas leverages refinery power to cut costs.
Texas posts an average price of $2.48 per gallon, thanks largely to its massive refining infrastructure. Fuel rarely travels far before reaching a pump, keeping transportation costs low and competition high.
With driving woven into daily life across sprawling cities and rural stretches, affordable gas matters. Texans benefit from predictable prices that make long drives and frequent travel feel routine rather than expensive.
6. Wisconsin balances winter demand with low prices.
Wisconsin drivers are paying about $2.49 per gallon this December. Despite colder weather and increased fuel needs, strong Midwestern supply chains help keep prices from rising sharply.
Lower costs offer relief during a season when heating bills climb. For families traveling across the state or commuting daily, manageable gas prices help balance household budgets during the most expensive months of the year.
7. Tennessee stays competitive at the pump.
Tennessee matches Wisconsin with an average price of $2.49 per gallon. Its location near major fuel corridors allows gas stations to restock quickly and avoid price spikes tied to short term shortages.
Daily drivers across urban and rural areas benefit equally. Affordable fuel supports commuting, regional travel, and holiday road trips without the anxiety that often accompanies winter driving expenses.
8. Mississippi remains consistently affordable.
Mississippi reports an average price of $2.50 per gallon, continuing its reputation for low fuel costs. Access to Gulf Coast refineries plays a major role in keeping prices steady throughout the year.
For residents who rely heavily on personal vehicles, this consistency matters more than occasional dips. Stable prices make budgeting easier and reduce the financial friction of everyday driving during the holiday season.
9. Louisiana stays low thanks to refinery access.
Louisiana also averages $2.50 per gallon, benefiting directly from its dense concentration of refineries. Fuel supply rarely becomes constrained, even during periods of increased seasonal travel.
Drivers see fewer sudden jumps at the pump, which builds trust in pricing. That reliability makes longer drives feel less like a gamble and more like a normal part of daily life.
10. Kansas rounds out the list with steady savings.
Kansas closes out the top ten with an average price of $2.50 per gallon. Its central location and pipeline access help maintain a dependable fuel flow across the state.
Wide open highways and long distances make affordable gas especially valuable here. Lower prices support agriculture, commuting, and personal travel without adding extra pressure to already tight household budgets.