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If you’ve recently filled your tank, you may have noticed a significant increase in the cost you pay per gallon. So whether you’re planning a big road trip as the warmer weather begins or simply want to control your commuting expenses within your budget, timing can be everything.
Here’s what you need to know about the worst day of the week to buy gas (and the best time to fill up instead).
Worst day of the week to buy gas
According to a new study conducted by gasbuddyYou should avoid filling your tank on Thursday. Leading up to the high-demand weekend, gas prices go up on Thursdays, or more commonly, Wednesday through Friday are the high price days with Thursday being the peak.
It’s not an exact science as oil prices can fluctuate with seasonal demand, foreign conflicts, and more, but for the most part the weekly patterns remain consistent for what you pay at the pump. GasBuddy’s research shows that in most states, prices rise slowly throughout the week before softening over the weekend. That’s why Sunday, by contrast, is the best or cheapest day of the week to fill up.
It matters where you live
It should be noted that the best day to fuel up – and the best day to avoid a gas station – varies by state. For example, in many cases, gas is cheapest on Sunday and most expensive on Thursday.
However, many states – including Texas, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Florida – see more of a price cycle, where prices may be high on a specific day, then gradually fall over the next several days before the next spike. The difference in what you pay at the end of the cycle can be 15 to 45 cents per gallon or more.
Are gas prices stable in 2026?
According to AAA, the current national average price of gas is about $3.60 per gallon. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in cases nationwide, largely due to the escalating war in Iran. This could mean that Americans will see skyrocketing prices for some time until the conflict ends.
4 Ways to Save on Buying Gas
Choosing the best day to fill up is one way to save gas. Here are some other things you can try so you don’t have to pay as much to get where you need to go.
1. Drive less
Obviously, the more you drive, the more you’ll pay. So minimize unnecessary trips, plan your route and carpool if possible. And use GPS, even if you know where you’re going. It can alert you if there is a backup or route and direct you to the most efficient route.
2. Use an app
There are many apps that will tell you the lowest gas prices in the area so you can find the best place to fill up with gas. GasBuddy, Gas Guru and the AAA mobile apps can help you find the best price on gas and tell you how to get there.
3. Pay in cash
Many stations offer lower prices for customers paying in cash. When you pay cash, the station doesn’t have to pay a credit card processing surcharge, so they pass some of that savings on to you. If you can’t pay in cash, use a credit card that offers cashback – especially if you get more cashback at gas stations.
4. Drive smart
Accelerating slowly and keeping your overall speed low can use less fuel, saving you money. Keeping your car organized and regularly checking your tire pressure will help it operate more efficiently, which will also reduce fuel consumption.
Even saving a dollar or two on each tank of gas can add up over the course of a year, so try these tips to keep a little more money in your pocket.
Karen Doyle contributed reporting to this article.