NEW YORK, September 2, 2026, 08:49 EDT — U.S. gasoline futures rose by 0.9%, coinciding with the country’s average retail price per gallon climbing above $4.12, data showed.
- October RBOB gasoline increased 0.86% to $3.1621 a gallon as of 08:40 EDT.
- AAA reported the average price of U.S. regular gasoline at $4.1203, marking a 29.3% increase compared to a year earlier.
- Prior to Wednesday’s EIA report, U.S. gasoline inventories were 7.0% lower compared to the same time last year.
U.S. gasoline futures climbed on Wednesday, with the average national price at the pump exceeding $4.12. October RBOB gasoline futures were at $3.1621 per gallon at 08:40 EDT, gaining 0.86%.
The move is significant as retail prices are still notably resistant to change. AAA’s national regular average reached $4.1203 on September 2, standing almost 96 cents higher than the futures price.
The gap does not reflect refiner profits. It covers taxes, ethanol blending, distribution, retail expenses and regional basis variations.
October RBOB gasoline: premarket path
Dollars per gallon, New York time
As of . Source: Yahoo Finance market data.Futures rose from $3.1158 at 04:00 EDT. The contract touched $3.1625 at 08:30 before maintaining those gains.
Retail data paints a more stable picture. The Energy Information Administration reported that regular gasoline averaged $4.071 on August 31, a decrease of 1.4 cents from the previous week.
U.S. regular gasoline remains elevated
AAA national averages, dollars per gallon
AAA reported its daily gauge climbed by 2.49 cents since Tuesday. The figure was up 1.89 cents compared to the previous week and 93.34 cents higher than the same time last year.
Supply provides the most straightforward answer. U.S. motor-gasoline inventories declined by 2.536 million barrels to 206.842 million in the week to August 21.
Inventories stood 7.0% lower compared to a year earlier, leaving a limited cushion ahead of the seasonal refinery maintenance period.
Lower stocks outweigh softer underlying demand
Latest EIA weekly and four-week comparisons
Week ended August 21, 2026. Source: U.S. EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report.Demand remains subdued, with finished gasoline supplied averaging 8.932 million barrels per day over the past four weeks, down 1.1% compared to a year earlier.
Supply in the most recent week increased, with delivered volume rising 4.1% to 9.043 million barrels per day compared to the week before.
Refineries handled 17.393 million barrels of crude per day, marking a 3.0% increase from a year earlier, but gasoline stocks still fell.
Taxes account for a significant portion of the gap between pump prices and futures. The EIA notes a federal tax of 18.4 cents and an average of 33.55 cents in state taxes and fees.
Crude continued to play a significant role in market fluctuations. At 08:41 EDT, October U.S. crude futures were priced at $89.61 per barrel, down 0.68%.
The next test is approaching. The EIA will publish its weekly petroleum data after 10:30 EDT on Wednesday.
Risks: An unexpected rise in inventories may halt gains in futures. Disruptions at refineries or fresh interruptions to crude supply could push wholesale prices higher ahead of retailer price changes.
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