Gas prices in North Carolina

What are current gas prices in North Carolina?

Current gas price data for North Carolina is being updated. Check back soon for the latest numbers.

Gas prices vary based on several factors, including crude oil costs, refining capacity in the region, transportation and distribution expenses, local competition among gas stations, and state and federal tax rates. North Carolina also sees seasonal price fluctuations, with prices typically rising in the spring and summer driving months and falling during the winter.

How much is gas tax in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a state gas tax of 40.5 cents per gallon. That ranks 8th highest among all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is well above the national median and is a significant factor in why gas prices in North Carolina tend to run higher than in many other states.

On top of the state tax, drivers in North Carolina also pay the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, bringing the combined tax burden to 58.9 cents for every gallon of regular gasoline purchased. State gas taxes fund road construction and maintenance, bridge repair, and other transportation infrastructure projects. Some states adjust their gas tax annually based on fuel prices or inflation, while others require legislative action to change the rate.

How have gas prices changed in North Carolina?

Over the past 30 days, gas prices in North Carolina have remained relatively stable. Looking at a wider window, prices over the last 12 weeks have stayed fairly consistent.

Gas prices across the United States are influenced by global crude oil markets, refinery output, seasonal demand, and geopolitical events. In North Carolina, regional factors like proximity to refineries, pipeline infrastructure, and local supply and demand conditions add another layer of price variation. Prices tend to peak between Memorial Day and Labor Day when driving demand is highest, and they often dip in the fall and winter months.

Gas price trend in North Carolina

How do gas and electricity costs compare in North Carolina?

The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 14.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That is below the national average residential electricity rate of 17.7 cents per kWh. The national average electricity rate across all sectors (residential, commercial, and industrial) is 14.4 cents per kWh.

These electricity rates matter because they directly affect how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle at home. Most EV owners charge at home overnight using standard residential electricity, so the residential rate is the most relevant number for comparing fuel costs between gas and electric vehicles.

Here is how the cost per mile breaks down in North Carolina:

• Electric vehicle (average 0.30 kWh per mile): $0.044 per mile

Is it cheaper to drive electric in North Carolina?

These estimates assume home charging at residential electricity rates. Public DC fast charging is typically more expensive, ranging from $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh depending on the network and location. For a more detailed comparison based on your specific vehicle and driving habits, try our EV Savings Calculator.

Frequently asked questions about gas prices in North Carolina

What is the current average gas price in North Carolina?

The current average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in North Carolina is currently being updated. This figure is updated regularly using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Why are gas prices lower in North Carolina than the national average?

Gas prices in North Carolina are influenced by the state gas tax of 40.5 cents per gallon, proximity to refineries and pipelines, regional supply and demand, and local market competition. These factors combine to push prices below what drivers pay in other parts of the country.

What is the gas tax in North Carolina?

North Carolina charges a state gas tax of 40.5 cents per gallon. Combined with the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, the total tax on each gallon of gasoline in North Carolina is 58.9 cents.

What is the average electricity rate in North Carolina?

The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 14.6 cents per kWh. The national average for residential electricity is 17.7 cents per kWh, and the national average across all sectors is 14.4 cents per kWh.

Is it cheaper to charge an EV or fill up with gas in North Carolina?

In most cases, charging an electric vehicle in North Carolina is significantly cheaper than filling up with gasoline. At current rates, driving electric costs approximately $0.044 per mile, while driving a gasoline vehicle costs about more per mile. Use our EV Savings Calculator for a detailed comparison based on your vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in North Carolina?

At the average residential electricity rate of 14.6 cents per kWh in North Carolina, charging a typical EV with a 60 kWh battery from empty to full costs approximately $8.78 at home. Public DC fast charging typically costs more, ranging from $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh.

What factors affect gas prices in North Carolina?

Gas prices in North Carolina are shaped by global crude oil prices, state and federal taxes, refinery capacity and proximity, pipeline and transportation infrastructure, seasonal demand patterns, and local market competition among gas stations.

How often do gas prices change in North Carolina?

Gas prices in North Carolina can change daily at the pump. Wholesale prices fluctuate based on crude oil markets and refinery output. The EIA publishes weekly state-level price data, and this page is updated monthly with the latest figures.

What is the national average gas price?

The current national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.45. This represents the average across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, weighted by volume.

How much money can I save driving electric in North Carolina?

Based on 15,000 miles per year of driving in North Carolina, switching from a gasoline vehicle to an electric vehicle could save approximately $800 to 1,500 per year in fuel costs alone. Additional savings come from lower maintenance expenses.

Does North Carolina offer any EV incentives?

EV incentives vary by state and change frequently. North Carolina may offer state tax credits, rebates, HOV lane access, or reduced registration fees for electric vehicles. Check our EV Incentive Finder for the most current incentives available in North Carolina.

When is the best time to buy gas in North Carolina?

Gas prices in North Carolina tend to be lowest in the fall and winter months when driving demand decreases. Prices typically rise in spring as refineries switch to summer-blend fuels and peak during the summer driving season. Filling up earlier in the week (Monday or Tuesday) can also sometimes yield slightly lower prices.