EIA Forecasts Gasoline Prices Dropping From $4.09 to as Low as $3.10 per Gallon

As of August 18, 2026, the EIA reports the U.S. average regular gasoline retail price at $4.09 per gallon. The agency's Short-Term Energy Outlook projects annual averages of $3.31, $3.10, and $3.78 per gallon across its forecast horizon. The EIA attributes the expected decline to lower crude input costs outweighing elevated refining margins.