Discussion Paper
How Have Fuel Prices Changed for Fifth District Consumers?
Abstract: Recent supply shocks from the conflict in the Middle East have increased fuel prices across the United States and the Fifth District, but the impact is not uniform. Within the Fifth District, consumer gas prices have long been the highest in Washington, D.C., and the lowest in South Carolina. From June 2025 to May 2026, prices increased the most in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Although prices decreased across the nation through June, these decreases affected states unevenly. For example, within states and jurisdictions, gas prices have differed. Prices increased more in metro areas in the Carolinas and Virginia than they did outside of metro areas. Depending on consumers' ability to change their fuel consumption, sustained fuel price increases can drive up household transportation costs.
Access Documents
File(s):
File format is text/html
https://www.richmondfed.org/region_communities/regional_data_analysis/regional_matters/2026/how_have_fuel_prices_changed_fifth_district_consumers
Description: discussion paper
Authors
Bibliographic Information
Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Part of Series: Regional Matters
Publication Date: 2026-07-16