The Cheapest Day to Buy Gas in Every State — and the Most Expensive

Filling up your car is a common expense you can’t avoid, but you can control when you swipe your card. Timing your station visits based on the day of the week yields significant savings in the long run.

GasBuddy’s latest analysis reviewed daily gasoline prices across the country over the past year. The data reveals a consistent national rhythm in how gas stations adjust their prices.

The best days to buy gas in each region

Although Sunday is the cheapest day to buy gas across the country, price trends vary depending on where you live. Gas stations in many states tend to keep prices steady or lower slightly over the weekend when the energy trading markets close.

However, there are a few outliers. Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest days to fill up your tank in all 50 states, according to GasBuddy data:

• Sunday: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Oregon, South Carolina, Oregon Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
• Monday: Alaska, Delaware, Indiana and Ohio.
• Tuesday: Montana.
• Saturday: Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wyoming.

When to avoid the gas station

Midweek is the most expensive time to buy fuel.

Wednesday is the worst day to fill almost half of the country, followed closely by Thursday.

This mid-week attack is not just an accident. The Energy Information Administration releases its weekly report on the state of petroleum on Wednesday morning. This report tracks domestic oil inventories and is highly sensitive to market volatility.

Station owners tend to adjust their prices upwards to reflect this new data. If you wait until Thursday or Friday to plan a weekend trip — especially during the busy summer or holiday travel seasons — you’re probably paying a premium.

Understanding cycling in dynamic markets

Drivers in states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Texas face a very different pricing environment known as bicycle pricing. In these particular markets, fuel costs do not follow a smooth upward curve.

Instead, prices jump sharply on a given day and fall slightly the following week. Gas stations in these areas compete fiercely, slashing prices by the penny until profit margins evaporate, prompting another sudden spike.

If you live in an area with bike prices, you should wait five to seven days after a big price jump to fill up if you can. Buying near the bottom of this cycle can save you a lot of cents per litre.

How the weekly rhythm affects your wallet

“Gas prices don’t just move from global oil markets – they also follow a weekly rhythm,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum research at GasBuddy.

While saving a few cents per gallon may seem like a small thing on one tank, the savings compound in the long run. Drivers who always identify the cheapest days to fill up can save hundreds of dollars a year.

This technique requires very little effort. It just requires a change in your weekly routine. Rather than waiting for your low fuel indicator to tell you about your plan, you control the purchase.

More strategies to reduce fuel costs

Regardless of choosing the perfect day of the week, taking quick steps to reduce your travel costs is important – especially with potential changes in federal regulations that threaten fuel economy.

• Compare local channels: Use mobile apps to update prices at stations on your regular route. Stations located near highways tend to charge higher prices for convenience.
• Maximize grocery rewards: Many regional grocery chains offer fuel points programs that can significantly lower your cost per gallon. Maximize these programs by shopping your regular groceries at participating stores.
• Pay in cash: Many independent gas stations offer a lower price per gallon if you pay with cash rather than a credit card. This avoids the typical 2% to 3% merchant processing fee that is passed on to buyers.
• Take care of your car: Keeping your tires properly inflated and changing your engine’s air filter improves your fuel efficiency.

Planning your next trip to the pump

You have the power to reduce fuel costs by changing your schedule. Pay close attention to price trends in your city and adjust your habits accordingly.

Make Sunday or Monday your designated day to fill the tank, even if it is completely empty. Small adjustments to your weekly schedule keep more money in your pocket in the long run.