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Gas prices could shape the midterms. See the US states where prices have risen the most.

In more than 40 states, fuel prices have increased by at least $1 per gallon over the past year. See how your state ranks.

By Kristine Villarroel Business Insider 3 Nov 2026 Americas

Multiple vehicles are parked under a fuel station canopy with motorists refueling at retail pumps in Salt Lake City, Utah — In 42 states, gas prices are more than $1 higher today than they were a year ago.
Charles-McClintock Wilson/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Rising gas prices since the beginning of the Iran War are a key issue during the 2026 midterms.
Since last year, regular gas prices have increased by 40%, and diesel prices by 71% across states.
Michigan, a key battleground state, saw the second-sharpest rise in gas prices after Wisconsin.

For many voters, their choice in the midterm elections could come down to one thing: the pain at the pump.

Since the Iran War began in February, higher fuel costs have become a growing pressure point for Americans. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint, have tightened global fuel supplies and pushed energy prices worldwide.

On average, regular gas prices in the US today are nearly 40% higher than a year ago, according to AAA's Fuel Price Tracker as of November 2. In 42 states, regular gas prices per gallon today are at least $1 higher than they were a year ago.

For diesel fuel, which is used in industries like agriculture and manufacturing, as well as for transporting goods, the rise has been even sharper. Across all US states, diesel prices have risen by 71% on average.

Almost every US state recorded its highest-ever diesel prices this fall, with the exception of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York, which saw higher prices in 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent global fuel prices soaring.

A White House spokesperson told Business Insider that once the conflict in the Middle East ends, gas prices will "drop drastically," adding Iran also "will not have a nuclear weapon."

"Thanks to the exceptional work of the US military, more oil is now flowing out of the Persian Gulf than before the Iran conflict began," the spokesperson said.

To see how fuel prices have risen across the US, Business Insider used AAA data to compare today's gas prices with those a year ago. We ranked all US states by the percentage increase in regular prices, which most people see at the pump. We also listed the rise in diesel prices in each state to provide a fuller picture.

See how prices have risen in every US state in the past year, ranked from lowest to sharpest rise.

50. Washington

A fuel pump as a driver refuels a vehicle with diesel fuel at a Shell gas station in Seattle, Washington, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026. — M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $5.19 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 21.2% ($0.91) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $7.25 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 45.6% ($2.27) from a year ago

49. North Carolina

A driver refuels a vehicle at a Circle K gas station in Charlotte, North Carolina, US, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. — Travis Dove/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.38 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 22.7% ($0.63) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.49 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 58.2% ($2.02) from a year ago

48. Oregon

A gas station in daylight. — A price board is seen at a gas station in Oregon, the United States, July 13, 2022. U.S. consumer price index CPI, a broad measure of everyday goods and services, soared 9.1 percent in June from a year ago, marking the largest 12-month increase since the period ending November 1981, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. (Photo by
Wang Ying/Xinhua via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.79 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 23.2% ($0.90) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.71 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 53.7% ($2.34) from a year ago

47. Alaska

A gas station at dusk. — A Chevron gas station in Anchorage, Alaska, US, on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. The Friday summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska's largest military installation less than a thousand miles from Russia. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.76 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 24.4% ($0.93) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.44 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 57.9% ($2.36) from a year ago

46. Hawaii

Residents fill their cars with gas in preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Lala to the big island of Hawaii on August 14, 2026. — Jill K. Briggs / AFP via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $5.66 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 26.3% ($1.18) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $7.22 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 38.3% ($2.00) from a year ago

45. California

Gasoline and diesel prices are displayed on a sign outside a Shell gas station in Los Angeles, California, on October 30, 2026 — David Swanson / AFP via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $5.91 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 27.0% ($1.26) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $8.34 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 62.5% ($3.21) from a year ago

44. Georgia

A driver refuels a vehicle at a gas station in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. — Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.58 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 28.4% ($0.79) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.66 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 62.3% ($2.17) from a year ago

43. Florida

raffic passes a sign that displays the prices of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel at a Speedway gas station in Miami Beach, Florida, US, on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. — Zak Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.86 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 30.0% ($0.89) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.98 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 63.8% ($2.33) from a year ago

42. Indiana

A gasoline pump is seen at a Sunoco gas station in Indiana, United States, on August 4, 2026. The fuel dispenser is used to supply petrol to motor vehicles at the filling station. — Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.81 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 31.0% ($0.90) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.76 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 76.9% ($2.94) from a year ago

41. Arizona

A sign displays the price of unleaded gasoline next to a saguaro cactus at a TA gas station in Eloy, Arizona, US, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. — Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.42 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 31.4% ($1.06) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.29 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 74.7% ($2.69) from a year ago

40. Nevada

A view of Arco gas station in Las Vegas, United States on November 17, 2023. — Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $5.24 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 34.2% ($1.33) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.82 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 72.9% ($2.88) from a year ago

39. Idaho

Regular gas price today: $4.53 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 34.8% ($1.17) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.53 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 75.1% ($2.80) from a year ago

38. Maryland

A Shell gas station in Hyattsville, Maryland, US, on Tuesday July 8, 2025. — Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.99 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 35.1% ($1.04) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.32 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 72.9% ($2.67) from a year ago

37. Delaware

A gas station is pictured in Wilmington, Delaware on November 12, 2021. — CHRIS STEIN/AFP via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.95 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 35.4% ($1.03) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.31 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 75.2% ($2.71) from a year ago

36. South Carolina

People line up to fill their gas tanks at an Exxon station off Highway 40 on September 29, 2024 in Marion, North Carolina — Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.65 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 36.2% ($0.97) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.73 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 67.7% ($2.31) from a year ago

35. Virginia

A man fuels a vehicle at a gas station in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 02, 2026. — Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.96 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 36.2% ($1.05) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.22 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 73.7% ($2.64) from a year ago

34. Pennsylvania

Signs display the prices of regular gasoline and diesel fuel at an Exxon gas station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. — Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.43 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 37.9% ($1.22) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.59 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 64.0% ($2.57) from a year ago

33. New Jersey

An attendant fills cars with gasoline at a Costco Wholesale store on June 13, 2026, in Bayonne, New Jersey. — Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.13 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.1% ($1.16) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.37 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 74.7% ($2.72) from a year ago

32. Connecticut

Gas prices nearing or topping $4 a gallon in Connecticut slightly more than a month after U.S. and Israel launched military attacks on Iran that have set oil prices surging across the globe — Paul Hughes/Connecticut Post via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.25 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.6% ($1.20) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.41 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 70.6% ($2.65) from a year ago

31. Vermont

A view of the Mobil gas station in Stowe, United States on June 19, 2023. — Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.32 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.7% ($1.23) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.36 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 66.8% ($2.55) from a year ago

30. Massachusetts

Gasoline prices reach well over $5.00 a gallon at a Sunoco station on June 13, 2022 in Scituate, Massachusetts. — Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.18 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.8% ($1.19) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.31 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 65.8% ($2.51) from a year ago

29. New York

David Rotundo of Blue Mountain Lake, left, fills his pickup truck with gasoline priced at $3.28 per gallon at BJ's on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Rotterdam, N.Y. — Lori Van Buren/Times Union via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.34 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.8% ($1.24) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.49 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 67.4% ($2.61) from a year ago

28. West Virginia

A sign displays the prices of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel at a Marathon gas station in Morgantown, West Virginia, US, on Thursday, March 19, 2026. — Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.16 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 39.9% ($1.19) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.37 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 75.6% ($2.74) from a year ago

27. Alabama

A sign displays the prices of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel at a Love's gas station in Loxley, Alabama, US, on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 — Micah Green/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.73 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 40.5% ($1.07) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.85 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 71.5% ($2.44) from a year ago

26. Maine

A sign displays the price of regular gasoline and diesel fuel at a CITGO gas station in Brewer, Maine, US, on Monday, June 8, 2026. As the Iran war enters its fourth month, ridership on US public transit systems is rising as gasoline prices remain near historic highs. — Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.25 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 40.6% ($1.23) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.40 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 65.0% ($2.52) from a year ago

25. Tennessee

Fuel prices are displayed on a gas station sign in Brentwood, Tennessee, on April 19, 2026. — Camden Hall/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.71 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 40.9% ($1.08) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.92 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 74.8% ($2.53) from a year ago

24. Rhode Island

Vehicles pass in front of a Gulf Oil LP gas station in Central Falls, Rhode Island, U.S., on Thursday, June 6, 2019. — Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.12 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 41.0% ($1.20) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.30 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 67.0% ($2.53) from a year ago

23. Ohio

A driver refuels a vehicle at a Sheetz gas station in Columbus, Ohio, US, on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. — Jessica Phelps/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.13 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 41.2% ($1.21) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.44 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 73.5% ($2.73) from a year ago

22. North Dakota

Watford City, North Dakota, Natural gas is flared off at an oil production site in the Bakken shale formation. — : Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.02 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 41.7% ($1.18) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.06 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 73.1% ($2.56) from a year ago

21. Utah

A customer refuels a vehicle at a gas station fuel pump terminal in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, on September 30, 2026. — Charles-McClintock Wilson/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.53 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 41.8% ($1.34) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.47 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 79.3% ($2.86) from a year ago

20. Louisiana

The CITGO Lake Charles Refinery in Westlake, Louisiana, US, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. — Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.70 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 42.0% ($1.10) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.75 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 76.5% ($2.49) from a year ago

19. Minnesota

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Speedway gas station offering 3 cents off with their reward system. Because of the economy gas is close to five dollars a gallon at the Speedway station — : Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.07 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 42.0% ($1.21) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.16 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 69.8% ($2.53) from a year ago

18. Montana

SAVAGE, MONTANA - SEPTEMBER 21: Valley Fuel & Supply gas station is seen September 21, 2026 in Savage, Montana. (Photo by Lauren Miller/Montana Free Press/CatchLight via Getty Images)
Lauren Miller/Montana Free Press/CatchLight via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.30 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 42.2% ($1.28) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.16 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 74.4% ($2.63) from a year ago

17. New Hampshire

Mobil Gas Station Sign, Moultonboro, New Hampshire, USA. — : Snap Decision/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.16 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 42.4% ($1.24) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.34 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 67.8% ($2.56) from a year ago

16. Texas

Gasoline prices are seen at a Chevron gas station in Houston, on October 2, 2026. — RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.65 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 42.8% ($1.09) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.74 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 80.4% ($2.56) from a year ago

15. Missouri

Alina Hille stops to fill her car with gas at QuikTrip in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 7, 2022. — Whitney Curtis for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.83 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 43.4% ($1.16) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.05 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 78.7% ($2.67) from a year ago

14. Kansas

Fuel prices are displayed on a BP gas station sign on October 31, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. — Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.88 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 43.5% ($1.18) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.00 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 73.5% ($2.54) from a year ago

13. South Dakota

A gas price is displayed at a station on February 26, 2023 in Belvidere, Illinois. — Scott Olson/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.09 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 44.5% ($1.26) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.01 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 79.0% ($2.65) from a year ago

12. Arkansas

A gas pump is inserted into a black car. — A vehicle is refueled at an Exxon Mobil gas station in Little Rock, Arkansas, US, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Wall Street economists said the US risks a recession this year and inflation could return to pandemic levels following the Trump administration's announcement of major tariffs on global trading partners. Photographer: Al
Bloomberg/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.76 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 44.6% ($1.16) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.87 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 76.7% ($2.55) from a year ago

11. Mississippi

A driver in a black sedan pulls up to a gas station. — Drivers wait in line to refuel at a gas station after Hurricane Ida in Hancock County, Mississippi, U.S., on Wednesday, Sep. 1, 2021. The electric utility that serves New Orleans has restored power to a small section of the city after Hurricane Ida devastated the region's grid. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Gett
Bloomberg/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.77 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 45.4% ($1.18) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.82 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 79.0% ($2.57) from a year ago

10. Kentucky

A car sits at a gas station. — Fuel pumps at a Murphy USA gas station in La Grange, Kentucky, U.S., on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Murphy USA Inc. is expected to release earnings figures on February 2. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.89 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 45.6% ($1.22) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.11 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 79.3% ($2.70) from a year ago

9. Iowa

A sign displays the fuel prices at a Quick Trip gas station in Des Moines, Iowa, US, on Thursday, April 30, 2026 — Bryon Houlgrave/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.01 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 46.0% ($1.26) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.06 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 72.4% ($2.54) from a year ago

8. Wyoming

Regular Unleaded and Diesel gas prices are displayed at a gas station on March 22, 2026 in Lingle, Wyoming. — Al Drago/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.30 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 46.2% ($1.36) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.35 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 78.2% ($2.79) from a year ago

7. Colorado

Zachary Grant fills up his RAM 3500 with diesel at a gas station that had the lowest gas prices near him March 17, 2026 in Pueblo, Colorado. — Michael Ciaglo/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.20 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 47.0% ($1.34) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.38 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 80.9% ($2.85) from a year ago

6. Illinois

Gas prices are displayed at a station on October 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. — Scott Olson/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.71 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 47.0% ($1.51) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.62 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 76.3% ($2.87) from a year ago

5. Nebraska

A Phillips 66 gas station stands illuminated at night in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., on Sunday Jan. 29, 2017. — Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.16 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 47.5% ($1.34) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.11 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 78.4% ($2.69) from a year ago

4. New Mexico

Texaco Fire Chief and Sky Chief gas pumps at the Texaco Trade Station on April 19, 2026 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. — Al Drago/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.09 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 48.1% ($1.33) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.01 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 73.3% ($2.54) from a year ago

3. Oklahoma

A Sinclair Gas Station along Route 66 on June 4, 2026 in Arcadia, Oklahoma. — Al Drago/Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $3.80 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 48.3% ($1.24) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $5.85 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 78.0% ($2.57) from a year ago

2. Michigan

A sign displays fuel prices at a Shell gas station in Royal Oak, Michigan, US, on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. — Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.52 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 52.1% ($1.55) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.66 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 78.9% ($2.94) from a year ago

1. Wisconsin

Gas prices are displayed at a BP gas station in Glendale, Wisconsin, United States, on October 28, 2026. — Michael Yanow/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Regular gas price today: $4.23 a gallon

Regular gas price increase: 53.2% ($1.47) from a year ago

Diesel gas price today: $6.31 a gallon

Diesel gas price increase: 80.6% ($2.82) from a year ago

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