Most crude oil and refined product prices settled lower last week when trading stopped on Friday, with domestic West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipping more than $3 and Brent crude settling nearly flat with a gain of just 50 cents. Oil and gas markets saw most of the losses on Friday, when both WTI and Brent fell by about $2 on reports of renewed diplomatic efforts for peace negotiations between the United States and Iran. Markets also reacted to multiple reports of improved product exports from the Middle East, with several oil tankers successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi Arabia reporting progress in reopening a key pipeline that was damaged and shut down after drone attacks earlier this month.
While any relief at the pump is welcome news, markets remain unsettled and oil prices were rising again in weekend trading in response to reports that the U.S. and Iran would not immediately return to the negotiation table. At the same time, pump prices are reflecting increasing tightness in domestic inventories, according to last week’s data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Gasoline supplies fell about 1.7 million barrels to 206 million barrels — well below the five-year average of 218 million barrels, according to the EIA. The decline in stockpiles is attributed to steady domestic demand, continued high exports and a recent dip in domestic refinery output. The EIA last week reported refinery utilization fell from 96.8% to 94%, but output remains well above the average of 91% for this time of year.
“Pump prices are taking a breather after a six-week runup driven by soaring oil prices, which remain elevated,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Despite record high prices for this time of year, demand is holding steady with drivers appearing to absorb the higher costs through early autumn.”
AAA’s Sept. 28 survey of fuel prices found the national average unchanged from the previous week ($4.47), averaging $4.47 per gallon. The Sept. 28 national average price was 39 cents higher than the prior month ($4.08) and $1.34 higher than this day in 2025 ($3.13).
As of Sept. 28, Indiana and Texas had the lowest prices in the nation at $3.88 and $3.91, respectively. California and Hawaii had the highest prices in the nation at $6.36 and $5.57, respectively.
| Region | Current Price* | One Week Ago | One Month Ago | One Year Ago |
| Connecticut | $4.49 | $4.50 | $4.15 | $3.14 |
| Massachusetts | $4.39 | $4.41 | $4.07 | $3.08 |
| New Jersey | $4.38 | $4.42 | $4.04 | $3.09 |
| New York | $4.48 | $4.48 | $4.18 | $3.20 |
| Rhode Island | $4.38 | $4.40 | $4.06 | $3.07 |
Gas Prices by State Over Time
*Prices as of Sept. 28, 2026
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.9 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
Last updated on September 28, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
