U.S. regular gasoline rises above $4 in EIA's latest weekly data

What the latest weekly data show

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's July 28 release estimates that regular gasoline averaged $4.096 per gallon nationwide on July 27. That was 9.5 cents higher than the prior week and 97.3 cents higher than the same period a year earlier. EIA's retail figures include taxes.

The increase followed a rise from $3.855 on July 13 to $4.001 on July 20. These are weekly estimates for the dates shown, not a measure of every station's price.

Prices differ across the country

EIA reported July 27 regional averages ranging from $3.690 on the Gulf Coast to $5.117 on the West Coast. Its selected state figures ranged from $3.644 in Texas to $5.489 in California.

Drivers should check prices near the routes and stations they actually use. Fuel grade, local taxes, distribution costs, and station-level pricing can move a personal fill-up above or below an EIA regional average.

Do not confuse the weekly reading with a forecast

EIA's separate July Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts a $3.80 national average for regular gasoline across the third quarter. A weekly reading can sit above or below a quarterly average, and the forecast can change as oil supply, inventories, demand, and margins change.

How to update a vehicle budget

• Divide expected annual miles by the vehicle's realistic miles per gallon, then multiply by a local fuel-price assumption.
• Test more than one fuel-price scenario instead of assuming the latest weekly move will continue.
• Compare fuel with financing, insurance, maintenance, registration, taxes, and depreciation.
• Sellers should describe official fuel-economy ratings accurately and avoid promising a specific future fuel bill.